Matthew Alan Valentine

Matthew “Lefty” Valentine, In his greatest Irish goodbye yet, Matthew Valentine decided to skip town for good on November 22, 2024, taking the ultimate one-way trip to another dimension. We’re pretty sure it’s a place where the golf courses are endless, the Wi-Fi never drops, and the crab legs are always hot and unlimited.

Born in Washington D.C and raised in Greenbelt and Bowie, Maryland, Matt had a marked distaste for academics, and P.E. and athletic pursuits became the only things that really kept him going to school. He was one of those enviable guys gifted with exceptional talent in many sports, including soccer, baseball, and basketball. He was bit hard by the golf bug in high school and astonishingly became the top golfer on his team. At the age of 25, he decided to take his golf game to Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Matt spent years as a dedicated Washington Redsk… Commanders fan (he insisted on the ellipsis) and was equally passionate about Liverpool FC. But let’s be real—golf was Matt’s true love. Whether it was swinging clubs in high school or cracking jokes (usually at his own expense) on a weekend round, Matt could always be counted on to talk smack, make wild drives, and leave you crying laughing. He’s now most likely teeing off with his heavenly best friend Jeff, while Pedro, his near-toothless, fluffy chihuahua, chases after golf balls as if he were still a pup. Heaven has no handicap for these two.

In addition to being an avid golfer, Matt was also a devoted “Unkie” to his nephew Nathan, who was more like a little brother to him. Matt spent countless hours in the garage, tools in hand, teaching “NateDogg” everything from car repairs to how to pop the hood (again and again, until it finally stuck). No matter the task, Matt was always there, offering love, guidance, and a steady supply of laughs punctuated by occasional swear words.

From the time he was a kid in elementary school, he was the kind of person that people were drawn to. As his beloved elementary school teacher, Mrs. Brown, said, “Everyone wants to be friends with Matt.” Those he chose to hold closest to him can attest to his genuine good-heartedness and loyalty. He was compassionate and sensitive, often to a fault.

Matt leaves behind his family—including his ever-patient parents, Gloria and Dale; his sisters, Christina and Elizabeth(“Weezie”); and his nephew Nathan, who now has a new career as the unofficial caretaker of Matt’s garage. He leaves his grandfather Frank Gomez (“Pop-pop”), his aunts Linda, Barbara, Donna and Cary, his uncle Frankie, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends, some lifelong.

And, of course, we can’t forget his loyal doggos, Lola, Enzo, and Vito, who were with him every step of the way (mostly for the treats).

Though Matt has checked out of this dimension for good, his sometimes unrefined humor, his freely offered golf tips, and his culinary legacy, will live on forever. We’ll love you forever Matt, & you’re already so sorely missed! We will see you on the flip side!