Matthew Anthony Pacillo

December 29, 1933- August 2, 2020

Matthew was born the youngest of five children to Celestine Candelmo and Sante Pacillo, In Worcester, MA.

Throughout his life he was an entertaining and adventurous soul. Although he faced a debilitating disease for most of his life, it never stopped him from pursuing his dreams.

In his early teens he taught himself to play the drums. His first gig was at the age of sixteen when someone didn’t show up, he jumped in. His older brothers would pack his drums to all his gigs. He performed with Big Bands and Country Western bands. In the 60’s he was under contract with the Burbank Studios. As the years went by, and his hands wouldn’t cooperate, he would tape his sticks to his hands and play on. He was an incredibly talented percussionist. Matthew was in his 80’s the last time he played the drums. He was working as a Security Guard, at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas, and someone did not show for sound check, so of course, he jumped in. He had a great time playing with the Stone Temple Pilots that night.

As is usual for many musician’s, he had a day job to support his family. He was a Chemist in Pasadena, CA, owned Best Trash in Simi Valley, CA, was partners in Frontier Fantasy, a western town on a trailer, that would unfold to become a band stand at night and gunfighting platform during the day (Simi Valley), and owned a B&B in MA. In his later years he would spend his summers entertaining customers at Courtney’s Gas Station in Anchorage, Not the Same Old Grind Espresso Stand in Portage, and relaxing in Homer, Alaska. He was a Security Guard in Las Vegas for the past 20 years. You could always find him in the That’s A Nice Booth at the San Gennaro Festival in Las Vegas, NV.

His loud and boisterous entertaining ways created a stir wherever he went. His family fondly remembers being tossed out of numerous establishments for his antics.

Matthew was adventurous, and loved to drive cross country, to Worcester, Massachusetts, (Shrewsbury was always in his heart), and to Alaska. His road trips were always an adventure.

Matthew was incredibly generous to all those who met him and would give a stranger the shirt off his back, just not his favorite “Smart Ass Italian” shirt. He helped many people over the course of his life.

Matthew married Carol Courtney in 1957, and they had three children, Susan Pacillo (Anchorage/ Homer, AK), Carolyn “Linny” Pacillo (deceased) and Michael Pacillo (Anchorage, AK). Carol and Matthew were a nightmare together, and became great friends, later in life.

In 1976 Matthew married his soul mate Dianna White. She had two daughters at home, June DeMott (Tehachapi, CA) and April White (Anchorage, AK). Dianna was tough enough to keep him on a positive course and was by his side till the very end. Dianna was the light that guided him.

Matthew lived a life full of nieces, nephews, grand and great grandchildren, extended family, friends, and his cat Blackie, that will love and miss him.

Graveside services will be held at Palm Mortuary 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV. at 10am, Monday, August 17, 2020. All are welcome to attend. Masks will be required, and social distancing is necessary.