Matias Michael Fresquez

Matias Michael Fresquez, 43 of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on February 7, 2026, after a very short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on February 23, 1982, to Donald & Rosealee Fresquez in Salt Lake City.

Matias worked many jobs starting at the very young age of 16, but his greatest professional pride came from his 23-year career as a Boilermaker and welder with the Boilermakers Local Union 92, most recently in Los Angeles, CA. He was known as one of the hardest-working Boilermakers around, following in his father’s footsteps and honoring the trade his dad loved so deeply. His Boilermaker Brotherhood meant everything to him. Through years of traveling and working in refineries across the country, he built lifelong friendships, and earned the nickname “Taco” by his very dear friend Ivan, a name he became known by, that stayed with him throughout his entire career.

Matias was the life of every gathering. He was always so funny, warm and endlessly full of energy. He believed in working hard, playing hard, and loving hard and he lived those values every day. He took his life and legacy seriously though and wanted to pass down his strong work ethic to his kids. He was so very generous and had a huge heart of gold. He was always the first one to lend a hand, the one people could count on always, and he left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone. Matias cared so much for all his family and friends and always loved spending time with them as much as he could.

In his free time, Matias embraced the things he loved the most: garage sales, flea markets, collecting old treasures, enjoying good food, especially green chili and smothered burritos. Any chance he could get to come to Utah to get his smothered burrito fix, he made that happen. He missed his mom’s food and cooking the most though. He had an extensive hat, hoodie and t-shirt collection and added to that collection each time he visited a new city. He loved exploring each city he worked in, and enjoyed site seeing, visiting all the cool places, going to the local bars and restaurants on his days off. He was a true foodie and a social butterfly who made friends wherever he went. Las Vegas became his home in recent years, a place he hoped to retire, golf and cruise around in a golf cart. He loved going to car shows and his passion for old cars led him to restore his beautiful 1965 Buick LeSabre “Esperanza.” His favorite thing to do was cruise around in Esperanza with oldies music playing, either alone, with his son, or with family and friends. A devoted sports fan, Matias especially loved football and his Las Vegas Raiders, proudly surrounding himself with Raider décor including his awesome Raiders recliners. He loved watching all sports, college or pro, and if you ever wanted to talk to him on a Sunday during football season, the chances of reaching him were low. That was his favorite time to relax and not be interrupted while watching his love of the game.

Above all, Matias’ greatest joy and proudest role was being a father to his beautiful and amazing children Feliciana, Cheyenne and Matias Jr, and being the best “Papo” and Grandpa to his beautiful granddaughters Galilea Nezuko and Videl Rose. They were the light of his life and meant everything to him. Even when work kept him far from home, he stayed closely connected through calls, FaceTime, and would come home or get them out to him. He cherished every moment with them, from trips and adventures to simple days spent together, making memories that they will all cherish forever. He loved taking his little Gali shopping, playing and spending time with her and having sleep overs at Papo’s house. He was so proud and honored to be there when his new granddaughter Videl was born. His babies brought him immeasurable happiness and he always had the biggest smile on his face whenever they were around.

Matias is survived by his daughters Feliciana (Alex) and Cheyenne (Berto): his son Matias Jr. (Crystal); his granddaughters Galilea Nezuko and Videl Rose; his brother Donald Robert; his uncle Ray (Kathy), his aunt Mary (Pablo); many other uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; his bonus daughter Vanessa; his best friend Rita; and countless close friends and Boilermaker brothers. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Donald and Rosalee; his sister Veronica; and his brother Joseph.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they provided during Matias’ final weeks, and to his best friend Rita for her unwavering love, support, care and presence by his side every day.

In accordance with Matias’ wishes, no formal services will be held. A celebration of life will take place at a later date, with details to be announced.