Matthew Eamon Ryan

Born on December 20, 1974, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Matt was raised in Hanson and spent his last years residing in West Bridgewater. From an early age, it was clear that Matt possessed a rare and beautiful gift: a voice that could fill a room and touch a heart instantly. He was a true Irish Tenor in the finest tradition, earning endless praise for the warmth, clarity, and emotional depths of his singing.

Matt’s passion for performance guided his entire life. He attended Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton before moving on to New York to study performing arts at Wagner College. It was during his college years that Matt expanded his talents beyond singing into composing, co-writing the book, music, and lyrics for Benches - A Musical. His dedication to his craft was matched only by his profound resilience. When faced with several health challenges, including epilepsy and subsequent surgeries that left him partially unable to read music, Matt defied the odds, continuing to play the piano and guitar entirely by memory, driven by an unbreakable love for the stage.

Throughout his celebrated theatrical career across New England and New York, Matt brought unforgettable characters to life. One of his proudest milestones was performing as the Bishop of Digne in the Ocean State Theatre Company’s 2013 opening production of Les Misérables. Audiences and critics alike were captivated by his powerful presence in roles ranging from the formidable Zoser in Fiddlehead Theatre Company's Aida at the Strand Theatre, to the joyful Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, the Father in Children of Eden, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Enoch Snow in Carousel.

Behind the music and the applause, Matt loved and was loved dearly by his family. Though his voice is now quiet, the melody of his life remains with those who knew him on and off the stage.

Matt was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Nancy and Gerry Ryan. He leaves behind his devoted siblings: Timothy, Andrew, Eileen, Jennifer, and Thomas, along with their partners Gwen, Marion, Robert, Derek, and Abbey. He was the proud and loving uncle of Jessica, Samantha, Jack, Patrick, John, Maureen, and Kellan. He is also survived by a close-knit community of extended family, lifelong friends, and theater colleagues who shared in his artistic journey.

A Celebration of Life honoring Matt’s memory, his music, and his legacy will be planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Matt’s name to the Epilepsy Foundation to support research, education, and advocacy for those living with epilepsy.