Matthew James Golden Jr

Matthew James Golden, Jr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 13, 2022 at his home in Rutherford, California in the Napa Valley. Matthew was born in Hartford, Connecticut on October 23, 1935 (86 Years of age) to Jean Dellay Golden and Matthew James Golden. He is survived by his wife, Anne Blohm Golden, and his three daughters, Toni Golden (Paul Hicks), Kimberly (Peter)Rooney, Nicole Golden (Kevin Kirwan) and his loving four grandchildren, Dylan Rooney, Mason Rooney, Addison Alter and Makenna Alter.  He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Beverly) Golden, his sister, Alyce Golden Hestad and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He graduated from LaSallete Seminary of Hartford, University of Connecticut and received his Master’s  degree from the University of Southern California. Matt’s love of sports manifested itself in playing basketball at LaSalette Seminary where he scored fifty points in one game and the University of Connecticut, Hartford.  His passion for golf led to playing golf courses around the world as well as Napa Valley Country Club.  Matt rarely missed a televised game for the SF Giants, SF 49ers and Golden State Warriors. Matt’s Irish sense of humor, a glass of wine, and smiling babies brought him much joy as did his love of the out of doors, hiking, skiing and beautiful sunsets.

Matt worked as a consultant in the field of public administration.  Early in his career he and his wife spent time working for USAID in Amman, Jordan from which they were evacuated soon after the end of the 6 Day War in 1967. He continued working in the field of public administration until he bought Regency Travel that served corporate travel.  This also gave him the opportunity to travel from above the Artic Circle to Antarctica and all the seven continents with his family. One of his most memorable trips was with his wife, children and grandchildren to Europe and a South African safari in 2017.  He ended his career as the Director of Travel Management in the Office of the President for the University of California from which he retired.

There will be a graveside burial at Tulocay Cemetery, Napa with a reception afterwards at their Rutherford home.   Memorial contributions can be made to: Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or Collabria Hospice of Napa 414 Jefferson St. Napa, CA 94559.

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