Matthew Donald Hodnicki

The eldest son of Kenneth and Donna Hodnicki, he was born on a cold, December Sunday in Southfield, Michigan, 1968. His family moved to the southern United States, and he spent his childhood picking up the distinctive accent and mannerisms that his California friends would later describe as his “secret weapon” for soothing tense situations in the workplace.

Like most boys growing up, he was interested in sports, but ended up finding his niche in marching band. He was an excellent drummer, and led his high school drum corps in band competitions, developing teamwork skills that would benefit him throughout his future pursuits. During the same time, his life in construction began as building houses with his father when he was only seventeen years old, a profession that he carried on literally to his last day.

After High School, Matthew married his girlfriend, Deanna O’Donnel. Together, they adopted two sons, Justin and Alexander. He was a diligent son, supportive father, caring friend, and devoted husband, coached kids soccer and men’s softball, and volunteered his time and talents to numerous local organizations. He enjoyed playing host and entertaining guests with game nights and barbecues. Matthew was very active in the church, and was a Third Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus.

After the dissolution of his 26 year marriage, Matthew searched for where he could do the most good, and found the answer waiting in the far-away land of Merced, California. He met his wife and future stepson online, and took a leap of faith three time zones into the unknown, landing exactly where he needed to be. He began to work with Lennar Homes, first as a Construction Manager, next as a Senior Construction Manager mentoring new hires, then onto the newly created position of Construction Training Manager, developing curriculum on a national level from the ground up. His patient and respectful approach not only aided him in guiding new people to answers, but also allowed him to teach some old dogs new tricks with dignity and empathy. He helped people all over the country, and formed relationships built on trust and mutual respect. His sudden passing has left us all at a loss in so many ways.

Matthew is survived by his wife Katie, his brother Steve, his parents Donna and Kenneth, and his three sons Justin, Alex, and Tristan, along with a multitude of nieces, cousins, aunts, friends, students, and colleagues.

A Celebratory Mass will be held at Saint Patrick’s Church in Merced at 10am on Thursday, August 24th. In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page has been set up for generous individuals to assist with funeral and memorial expenses.

http://gofund.me/366afde5