Matt and I grew close when we both attended the Adcenter, now Brandcenter, in the early 2000s.

Matt wasn't just the nicest guy ever, he also loved Richmond. He was the perfect person to meet as a Californian who'd never spent any time in the South. By the time I left Richmond, it felt like home. Matt welcomed me with open arms. I met his family. We exercised at his family's club. We watched the Tour de France with his Mom and Dad. He even introduced me to a woman who eventually became my girlfriend.

Matt exuded warmth and generosity in every way. He was a well of positivity. No matter the set back or disappointment, Matt would find the small sliver of good to celebrate and smile about.

One of my favorite memories about Matt was early on when we first met. We discussed that we were both cyclists. What I didn't know was that Matt had also run track at Richmond. It only took a few miles to realize I was cooked. I spent the entire ride doing my best to hang on Matt's rear wheel. I could barely keep up, while Matt opined at length about the different plantations and mansions we were passing. He'd look back and give me a pep-talk with the positivity that would come to define him, and then speed up just a little bit more.

I've thought about Matt often since graduate school, and I still do. I didn't know him for long, only a couple of years, but I'll always miss him.

Noel

Matt and I grew close when we both attended the Adcenter, now Brandcenter, in the early 2000s. 

Matt wasn't just the nicest guy ever, he also loved Richmond. He was the perfect person to meet as a Californian who'd never spent any time in the South. By the time I left Richmond, it felt like home. Matt welcomed me with open arms. I met his family. We exercised at his family's club. We watched the Tour de France with his Mom and Dad. He even introduced me to a woman who eventually became my girlfriend. 

Matt exuded warmth and generosity in every way. He was a well of positivity. No matter the set back or disappointment, Matt would find the small sliver of good to celebrate and smile about. 

One of my favorite memories about Matt was early on when we first met. We discussed that we were both cyclists. What I didn't know was that Matt had also run track at Richmond. It only took a few miles to realize I was cooked. I spent the entire ride doing my best to hang on Matt's rear wheel.  I could barely keep up, while Matt opined at length about the different plantations and mansions we were passing. He'd look back and give me a pep-talk with the positivity that would come to define him, and then speed up just a little bit more.

I've thought about Matt often since graduate school, and I still do. I didn't know him for long, only a couple of years, but I'll always miss him. 

Noel

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I was a client of Matt's for over 10 years and thought the world of him--he was *so* bright, kind, generous, and happy.  Always.  

Matt was the most talented brand strategist I've ever worked with.   He was instrumental in shaping Timberland PRO into the brand it is today and I always felt so fortunate to be able to learn from him.  Not only did he understand brands so well, but he was a terrific leader and human being.  Meetings with Matt were always a bright spot in my day.

Matt's contributions will live on in so many of the brands he helped shaped over the years.  And, while his dedication to his clients was exemplary, it was his three boys who were his greatest joy.  He talked about them with such pride and always had funny stories to share.  :-)

I feel so fortunate to have known Matt.  Please know that your family is in my thoughts.

Rebecca

I always looked forward to seeing Matt when he and Connie were visiting pgh. I remember Matt as being hilarious and unfailingly kind. Holidays were always more fun/memorable when Matt was in town.  He will be greatly missed by the Donnelly cousins.