Monday, July 17, 2023
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Losing Matthew is like losing a limb. There were only 15 months separating Matthew and me, and with our two sisters, Celia and Laura, we grew up in a loving, chaotic environment with Barb and Lou at the helm.
Matthew was a big-brother out of a TV series. He was a shining star. Athletic, good-looking, smart and charismatic, he was the one everyone knew, or wanted to know. He thrived in the limelight.
Matthew blazed a trail for me here in life: he explained the birds and the bees to me; he showed me how to rebel; he introduced me to beer and gin and tonics; he gave me advice on men, i.e. “stay away from men like me”, the list goes on and on. Oddly enough, Matthew also taught me to conform - he was the first to find a proper job and gave me tips for my endless job search after college. Matthew was also invaluable support when Finn and I ended up unexpectedly without a place to live, we became roommates with him in Montclair!
As we became increasingly more established, Matthew´s life seemed charmed - lovely wife, clever kids and successful business ventures. We did not see one another enough, but he was always available for a chat and for support. One of my fondest recent memories was the time he and I spent a night out in Rehoboth with Mom and Dad, a rare occasion for us and for them. It was like traveling back in time. In the past three years our weekly zoom calls were a highlight to the week, a time for the “Marinelli-nuclear family” to get together. Matthew was the entertainer, the storyteller, it was always better when he joined in. Our last call was barely two days before he died. He was betting on a recovery, fighting to the end.
I am so grateful to Laurie, who was such a support to Matthew through all his ups and downs, the yin to his yang. Through her and their beautiful children – Isabella and Nicholas - Matthew´s eternal flame will continue to burn brightly.
Rest peacefully, my one and only brother.
