Matthew William Baumgartner

Matthew passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 31, 2021 after a lifelong battle with Marfan Syndrome. He was 38 years old. Matthew was surrounded by the love and support of family and friends as he bravely battled complications of his illness over recent months.

Matthew was larger than life, and the life of the party. Owing to his magnetic personality and kindness towards all, he was selected as Mr. Pope High School in 2001.

Matthew believed that whatever you’re doing, do it well; and he did many things well. He had a gift for writing and served as editor for the Pope High School newspaper. Matthew loved games and was an incredible card player. Matthew took exceptional care in his appreciation for others, taking great pride in finding the perfect gift for those he loved.

Matthew was an old soul, routinely going out of his way to make others feel appreciated and loved. His contagious joy of life, clever sense of humor, and unending optimism were universally adored. Matthew knew no enemies, nor strangers, only friends he had yet to meet.

Matthews’s passion for sports, music, and dogs brought him great joy. He was an intense, loyal fan. Many happy days were spent cheering for Georgia Tech, Auburn, the Hawks, the Spurs, and the Lions with Pluto and Lebowski by his side.

Matthew was a fighter. He accepted challenges head on and lived life without regret. His legacy is one of perseverance, courage, and optimism.

Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Hollis Baumgartner. Matthew is survived by his father and stepmother (Mike and Martha Baumgartner), brother and sister-in-law (Mike Jr. and Laura), grandmother (Carolyn Hollis), and nieces (Kealey and Elizabeth Baumgartner). We will honor Matthew’s spirit by living life to its fullest, with grace, courage, and humor.

A special thank you to Matthew’s loyal and generous friends, and to Kristen Smith for providing remarkable comfort, strength, and fellowship to Matthew. Matthew loved you and was ever so grateful for you.

In lieu of flowers, Matthew would hope that you would perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in his name. Memorials may be made in Matthew’s name to The Marfan Foundation online (marfan.org) or to the Carol Baumgartner Family Fund and mailed to Roswell United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc. 814 Mimosa Blvd. Roswell, GA 30075.

A celebration of Matthew’s life will be scheduled at a future date.