Avi,
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your beautiful son Matthew. I sat with him at the bat mitzvah and his passing was a total shock. A fine young man taken too soon.
I am praying for your well being during this time and I wish you the very best.

Sincerely 
David Klein

💔 Memory from four years ago shared on my facebook today..  The more I think back on working with Matthew at Jungle Island the more I realize how unbelievably kind he was. Gonna miss this kid 😢

Not a photo of matthew he’s not smiling in

Hearing  of  Matthews passing is devastating.. 
A true friend to everyone he came across and one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met.
He is a true reminder to live each day with meaning as he did always doing what he loved.

Matt was truly one of the most kind, energetic, adventurous, funny and authentic people I’ve ever met. I met him my senior year of college at Miami and he made the year so special. He helped me with my scuba diving and it was always so fun going to his house for dinner and hanging with all his animals. I recently moved back to Miami and was able to reconnect with him. He was truly one of a kind. I’m so lucky to have known him. Sending love to all of his family and his many friends.

Matt 

Thank you for showing us the true meaning of friendship and family. I have never met anyone so genuine, caring and welcoming in my life. I’m truly grateful for the time we spent together. You truly found the joy in life everyday and lived your life to the fullest. I will never forget all the conversations we had, listening to justice while cleaning and watching house. I’m honestly still in shock, but I know how much you missed your mom. When my grandma was passing of cancer, you sat and talked to me for hours and I’m truly thankful for that.

Matt, you had a heart of gold and loved your family so much. Rest in paradise, you will truly be missed. 

Mackenzie Nicol & Patrick Chrapkiewicz

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Matthew Kendi. Words can’t describe the grief and sadness we are all feeling from the loss of such an amazing young man taken far too young. I will always remember Matt as an incredibly positive, happy, loving and caring human being. He impacted so many people with his smile, his laugh and his genuine love for others. He loved and lived life to the fullest. May God rest his soul.

Matt, I remember the times when we would do night diver together in Key Biscayne every Friday night, hunt lion fish and get trained as divemasters. You are such an amazing soul and great friend & fantastic dive buddy. Rest in Peace, my brother.

Impromptu dinner at my house the night before you left us I’m beyond grateful to have been able to cook for you & your father 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Matthew Kendi was a very special young man whose positive energy could light up a room.  He was warm, loving, funny and cared deeply about his family, friends, and animals.  Matthew was always comfortable in his own skin and true to himself; he lived his Life passionately and joyfully.  He will be greatly missed.  
My heartfelt condolences to his brother Daniel, to his father, to his extended family, and friends.

Now you’re flying higher than ever, my friend. I’ll always remember you like this—full of life, speed, and adventure. Rest in peace, Capitan.💔

Matt was a truly beautiful soul, whose kindness and warmth always brought a smile to my daughter's face. He was more than just a friend; he was a constant source of support and comfort, someone she could always rely on to lift her spirits, no matter the challenge she faced. His presence was a light in her life, and she will forever cherish the memories of his unwavering friendship and the joy he brought to her world. Matt's genuine heart and caring nature will be deeply missed.

Matt put a smile on every face he met. It brings me peace knowing he is with Scenca and Rena pictured above. As well as his beloved animals who he took such good care of.

Dear Matt,

I don’t have the right words to express how much you meant to me, but I need to try. You weren’t just a friend—you were a light in my life, someone who saw the world with endless love and optimism. You believed in me even when I doubted myself, encouraged me to chase my dreams, and showed me how beautiful life could be.

Your kindness, your unwavering support, and your ability to see the good in everyone made you the kind of person I always aspired to be. I will carry your lessons, your laughter, and your love with me always. You taught me to truly live, and I promise I will honor your memory by doing just that.

From the amazing dinners where you showed me how to make intricate sauces using your homelands spices, to the amazing friends we shared. I will always keep these memories. 

I miss you more than words can say, but I know your spirit will always be with me. Rest easy, my dear friend.

With love and gratitude,
Ella

I will always remember Matt telling stories about the summers he spent at his uncle’s ranch in Israel.  We both volunteered at Horseability  and he continued his love of horses  riding there. I watched him jump RobinHood. What a Great rider.   He made horseshoe hooks that are still beside each stall.  He and his dad brought a most beautifully crafted iron and wooden bench , which to this day still sits out back under the trees.  Matt, you’ve touched so many of us with wonderful memories . 💗

Dear Matt,

I have so many memories with you and our friends, and it is hard to believe you are gone. 

Your goofiness and constant source of laughter can never be matched. I can hear you shouting my dog’s name in your own special way even now. I am so thankful to have met you and to have had you present for so many memories, from you throwing a lobster at me while on your boat to all the fresh catch dinners. 

I will remember you every time I feel the ocean waves and see a lionfish. Thank you for being a warm light to so many people. 

Rest in peace, Matt. I’ll miss you 💚

Matthew, you weren’t just a friend—you were an adventurer, a dreamer, and a soul who made every moment unforgettable. This day on the water, catching fish and sharing laughter, is a memory I’ll carry with me forever. Your spirit, energy, and heart will never be forgotten. You’ve left an indelible mark on all who knew you. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.

Matthew Kendi. I know it sounds cliché, but you were wholeheartedly one of the most special and unique people I have ever met. You are like no other. Your compassion, your open arms to anybody and everybody, your appreciation to live life to the fullest, your priorities were in the right place. I don’t understand why God decided to take you back so early, but I know that you are happy to be with your mother again. I know you missed her so much. Matthew, the amount of lives that you positively impacted in your short time here is immeasurable. You had the biggest heart I have ever seen, and you taught everybody significant life lessons through leading by example. You taught us to ‘do what you love’ and the rest will fall into place.  You taught us that there’s never enough love to give to others. I don’t know how I am going to accept losing you other than understanding that the will of God sometimes doesn’t make sense to us people on earth. I miss you - so much.
I will always cherish our laughs, our adventures, and most importantly, the compassion that you showed to EVERYONE is an example of how we all should strive to live like. Going to your house after this incident and meeting up with all of our friends, we all shared our fond memories and stories we have with you and we all share a common take away. You were seriously like no other. You were somebody who made an impact larger than I’ve ever seen before. You accepted all walks of life. You accepted everybody for who they were and you were candidly yourself the whole time - never ashamed of your quirkiness or dorkiness, and you were never worried about how others would judge. You were such a happy person. Your love always would shine through above all else and we all are going to take the lessons that you taught us and live every day trying our best to be more like you, Matt. I will always be hurting and always be missing you, my dear friend, my dear family, Matthew Kendi.

I remember Matt as a outgoing, easy going, happy and foremost caring for everyone around him, and I only got to deal with him a hand full of times but I can only say the world is less with out him. He was the type of person that he would do anything to reason with you and work with you on anything so everyone could be happy. My deepest condolences. He will always be remembered as that great of a person he was.

We met Matt through our grandson, Joshua, when they were at UM.  He would pop in and out of our home. Had holiday dinners with us. Showed me pictures of his store. Carried his parrot in his backpack. He brought joy and happiness. Brought over his fish and cooked them. Whenever Matt was here, the house was bright and happy . He loved his family and his heritage. Our family was privileged to have him in our lives. We loved Matt.
Our thoughts and condolences  and love are with you.
Deborah Forer and family

Thank you for always making me laugh, Matthew

I had the privilege of meeting you and sharing a few moments in your company last December. I was deeply moved by the way you welcomed others with open arms, always eager to share your passion with those around you.

I am truly grateful to have crossed your path, even for a brief time. Your kindness, and warmth were inspiring.

My deepest condolences to your loved ones. May they find comfort in the incredible memories you’ve left behind ❤️

Sending condolences to the Kendi family from Israel. I did not know Matthew personally but from what I heard from his lovely daddy Avi left a beautiful impression on me. He sounded like a son that every father would dream of and be so proud of. Its a blessing you had that as a father and that Matthew lived his life they way he wanted to laughing and doing the things he loved. Thinking of you Avi and family and sending LOVE

Dear Matthew,

It’s hard to believe you’re no longer with us.
You were a force of nature—full of energy, always on the move, always bringing light and laughter to those around you. Your love for people, your generosity, and your sharp sense of humor made you unforgettable.
The sea was a huge part of your life, both as a marine biologist and as someone who simply belonged to the water. You surrounded yourself with animals, creating your own little zoo, a testament to your endless curiosity and passion for life.
And of course, there were the horses—you loved riding, feeling the power and freedom they gave you, just like the unstoppable spirit you had.
Matthew, you will be missed more than words can say. But your energy, your laughter, and your love for life will always stay with us.

Rest in peace.

Avi & Daniel,

My heart is shattered, and I cannot begin to imagine your pain. Matthew was a ray of light—his confidence, kindness, and warmth filled every room he entered. His passion, his laughter, and the way he spoke with such heart made him truly one of a kind. I see sparks of him in you both, and I know his spirit lives on through you.  

I hope he is with Sue now, watching over you and keeping each other safe.

I am thinking of you and sending all my love and light from Israel, and will see you when I’m back home. 
X Yael

Dear Matthew,

It is still hard to believe that you are no longer with us.
Your personality was marked by a deep love for people, endless generosity, and a sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around you.
You were a knowledgeable, curious, and vibrant person. As a marine biologist, the sea was your second home—a place of peace, adventure, and inspiration.
You had a deep love for animals and built your own private zoo, which became a significant part of your life—a place of learning, care, and devotion.
You also loved horseback riding, always bringing positive energy wherever you went.
Matthew, you will be greatly missed.
Your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

May your memory be blessed.

Knowing Matt truly changed my life. He was one of the first people I met in college and very quickly became one of my closest friends. Every moment around him felt like an adventure and he  approached everything in life with so much passion and confidence. He cared so deeply for the people in his life and I hope he knew how much we all loved him too. Matt will forever be remembered by the many fond, funny, and  fantastical memories we have with him. <3

I remember one time , me and Emil took Mattew and the children  to send ski  in Ashdod Israel and he was the leader. 
Make the best fun for all of as. 
He was a charmer. 
Rest in pease dear Mattew. 
Eli Shabtai.

I met Matt for the first time through Nautilus, he walked in goofy as can be but knew what he wanted.. laid back yet always high energy, dreamer, giving, and compassionate. He became a regular and a friend. Time went on and I decided to sell the dive shop, Matt walked in on one of those days and once again knew what he wanted. I had faith he was the guy I wanted carrying the torch so we came to an agreement. Since then we became even closer, he loved showcasing his animals and having his friends over for dinner on the regular… Like I said always the  giving goofball. There really aren’t many people out there that are genuinely at their core innocently good.. he was, I believe it stems from his mother and father. One of the last times we saw him he invited me and my daughters over so they could check out the reptiles.. my oldest loves lizards 🙂. We stayed in touch often mostly him asking for shop advice.. we last spoke the Friday week before the accident, I’m glad we did.. it was a business call but turned into a brother call as we went on about trips, birthdays, horses, and relationships… when I heard what transpired it shook me.. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him for all these days and wish I could have been there as Matt was also my dive student.. I miss you from the bottom of my heart Matt, the world is less without you in it.. Thank you for all the kindness you poured into the lives of those who had the pleasure of meeting you.

Matt, you were a hoot and a half. I will never forget when you came to the UMET potluck meeting with a machete instead of food. We were all flabbergasted as to how someone could confuse food with a weapon let alone bring it onto campus. Then he took his shoes off and skeedaddled up a palm tree cut down a coconut and proceeded to shuck it and serve it as his dish. This was just one of my favorite Matt moments. I can’t believe he’s gone. The world is a little less bright without him in it.

A talented boy like his father.  his rest in heaven.

Sharing my deepest condolences with your family at this incredible loss. Although I only knew Matt for the summer of 2012, during a BBYO Passport Israel Trek, I was fortunate to have spent the time that I did. He was a very kind, passionate, funny and great guy, who charted his own path. His friendliness and positive attitude always brought smiles and I can only imagine how many lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be for a blessing.

Matt was truly a light to this world. He really brought something to the table. You don’t meet people like Matt very often. My riding team & I at Stetson University met Matt at the intercollegiate shows. He was a welcome addition to our group of friends - always bringing the laughter and usually his lizards lol. Many people including my parents, my friends, and myself were so saddened to hear of his passing. You were so loved Matt, may you rest in ultimate peace.

Kendi at the Dry Tortugas National park.  We took a boat out 200 miles south of key west, to this beautiful historical masterpiece. We had no power, grilled fish on the beach, raced native hermit crabs, slept in tents, and laughed harder than ever.  This is my favorite memory of my life, and it’s all thanks to Kendi.

OBITUARY

Matthew Scott Kendi

February 2, 1996 – February 25, 2025

Riverside-Nassau North Chapels

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