Matthew Joseph Ross, 39, was called to rest on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.  He died peacefully and unexpectedly in his home.

Born on May 3, 1978 in Meriden, he was the son of Matthew T. and JoAnne (Hamel) Ross. Matthew graduated from Maloney High School and was employed by the Connecticut Department of Transportation for over 15 years.  A man of few words, he delighted in his hobbies, which he pursued with a quiet dignity.  An avid outdoorsman, Matthew could often be found at The Wallingford Rod and Gun Club, where he was a member.  He took his nephew, Callum to the fishing derbies there every spring.  As evidenced by the photo shared above, Matthew also enjoyed boating and fishing, especially in the Florida Keys, where he and his father took annual trips.  He was loved by many, and will be remembered as a loyal son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Besides his loving parents, Matthew is survived by his sister, Heather Ross; his nephew, Callum R. Wills, both of West Hartford; maternal grandmother, Helena Tomassetti Hamel of Meriden; his aunt and godmother, Therese Hamel Tartaglia, of Ocoee, FL; his aunt, Kathleen Ross, of Meriden and his godfather, Anthony D. Tomassetti of Meriden. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Sally Miller; his maternal grandfather, Joseph Hamel and aunt, Lucina Edson.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at his Mass of Christian burial on Friday January 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels, St. Joseph Campus, 22 Goodwill Ave., Meriden. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. To send and online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Matthew J. Ross may be made to the Founders Affiliates of the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241 or www.donatenow.heart.org.