Matthew James Newman

Matthew James Newman, known to many as Matt, tragically left this earth on February 15 from the result of a bicycle accident, at the age of 52.

Matt was an amazing man who lived his life with guts and gusto, abundantly loving his family and life. Many who crossed his path describe Matt as a kind and generous man who would “give you the shirt off his back”.

Matt was born on November 11, 1964 in Englewood, New Jersey. His parents Joseph and Arleen, with their children, migrated their way from Fairfield, NJ through Audubon, PA and Goddard, KS before settling in Napa in 1979.

The 7 years spent in rural Kansas shaped his youth while playing on motorcycles, with freedom for adventure and exploration. During his 37 years in Napa he continued his outdoor passions through mountain biking, waterskiing, snowboarding, white water rafting and taking his family on countless travel adventures.

Above all these activities Matt had great love for family. In 1998 he married his soul mate Maria Waken and their families united. Matt’s most loved role in life was that of family man. He was generous with his time and would make sure his wife, all the kids, including their friends, were made to feel special. Friends often referred to him as the Pied Piper because he was often seen with a bunch of kids following him as he headed for a park to hike and play after cooking breakfast for them.

Except for a short time at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the restaurant industry, Matt’s working life was spent in the automotive detail business giving his special attention to ensure customer satisfaction. In the early 1980s Matt played a prominent role in his brother’s detailing business, Joseph Newman Co. Matt and Joe worked together for the better part of 20 years, together creating a successful downtown neighborhood business. During those years Matt became well known throughout the Napa community and made many life long friends and acquaintances.

Matt is survived by his loving wife Maria and children Savannah Kirtlink (Zack), Alexandra Whittaker, Ashton Whittaker, Alli Finuf-Newman (mother Tracy Finuf) and Jewelyette Newman; grandchildren Ella Marcus, Jameson Kirtlink and Jace Kirtlink; father Joseph T Newman; siblings and their spouses Joe Newman (Nora) and Elise Newman (Christian Hedberg). He was predeceased by his mother Arleen Newman in 2006.

Matt’s funeral service and burial will be at Tulocay Cemetery, in Napa, on Saturday February 25th at 1:00 with reception to follow.
Words of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.tulocaycemetery.org

In lieu of flowers, donations are graciously accepted through https://www.gofundme.com/matthew-newman-family-fund.
The Matthew Newman Family Fund can also be accessed at any Mechanics Bank.

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