Matthew J. White

Born in Ravenna, Ohio on August 28, 1985, the son of Bernard J. and Betty J. (Gardner) White. Matthew was a graduate of Rootstown High School and earned his degree from The Ohio State University. He worked in customer service/returns at Rogue Fitness in Columbus. At Rogue he developed a close group of friends and always enjoyed getting together after work and spending time enjoying life.

Matthew was an avid softball player and he and his brother really enjoyed spending many years playing softball together with friends from Rootstown High school. He continued playing softball in Columbus where he had a close-knit group of friends that formed a brotherhood that will always remain strong. Especially his best friend Tyler Alkire, whom he played multiple nights a week with. Most recently, Matthew was very proud that he and his team Bar 23 won the league championship.

He was a huge Cleveland sports fan and loved attending the games with his friends and family. Matthew cherished the many great memories going to Cleveland with his brother and father and watching the games together. The avid fan he was, Matthew went to every Browns home opener the last ten years. He loved attending those games with his other best friend Ryan Miller.

Some of the best memories of Matthew was with his brother Christopher playing, watching and talking sports 24/7. Anytime they were together, they would pull out a football or baseball and play catch while talking sports.

One of Matthew’s favorite things to do was to go to amusement parks, especially riding the Millennium Force at Cedar Point.

Matthew lived a very healthy lifestyle and was passionate about working out at the gym. Family was important to him and he loved vacationing at the beach to see his family in Clearwater, Florida. He was a fantastic uncle that loved his niece Penelope Rose very much.

Matthew was well loved by everyone and had many friends who shared great stories of laughter and good times enjoying life together. He inspired and brought many smiles to the people who crossed his path in life.

Matthew is survived by his mother Betty J. White, his sister Lisa Ann White and his brother Christopher John (Paige) White. He also leaves his niece Penelope Rose White. Left also to cherish his memory is his girlfriend Katie Winkler, a fellow Ohio State Alumnus whom he traveled to vacation in Florida, enjoyed going to the Ohio State games with her and spending many fun times going to Cedar Point. They enjoyed exploring new places and having fun times together. Matt really came to love Katie’s dog, Phoebe, even if he wouldn’t admit he really enjoyed having her around.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents, and his father Bernard “Bernie” White.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 2:30pm to 7:00pm at the VFW Post 1055, 6000 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Oh. 44266. Directly after we will be heading to downtown Kent for those who wish to join us and continue sharing the many memories of Matthew. Matthew had many friends and we ask that as many as possible come out and show support for Matthew. Friends and family will be received Tuesday, December 31, 2019, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM with a funeral service officiated by Reverend William Kraynak at 11:00 AM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Interment will follow at Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com