Matthew James Covello

It breaks our hearts to let you know that our loving husband, father, son, and brother, Matthew J. Covello, 34, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, in Yokosuka, Japan, on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, after a long battle with lymphoma.

Matthew was born March 26, 1984 in Worcester, Massachusetts, to a large, love-filled, and beautiful family. Raised in Auburn, Matt graduated from Holy Name High School in Worcester.  He loved growing up in such a close-knit area of Auburn, where he cherished the close bonds he formed with his neighbors, childhood friends, and their families. Matt was a member, altar server and Eucharist minister at St Joseph’s Church in Auburn. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Matt started his career in Hawaii, working for Norwegian Cruise Lines, then traveled the world for Maersk Shipping, settling in California as a Port Engineer for the United States Navy based in San Diego.  His most recent position was with T-Solutions where he served as Port Engineer for the USS John McCain in Yokosuka, Japan.  Matt had an exceptional relationship with his shipmates, coworkers and superiors.  He made a positive impact in both San Diego and Japan and was loved by all.

Matt played sports throughout his life, from youth soccer and high school baseball to football at Holy Name and Mass Maritime.  He continued his love of sports by coaching youth baseball and football during the five years he spent in Japan.  Matt was an avid Boston sports fan and loved watching New England Patriots and Red Sox games.

No words can express how much we will miss Matt’s kind, generous spirit and great sense of humor.  But most of all, we will miss Matt – the loving family man.  He was the devoted husband to Chelsea, his cherished wife of eight years; an amazing dad to his three children: Damon, Quinn, and baby Charlotte; the treasured son to his parents, Paul and Cynthia (Thompson) Covello of Auburn; the best friend to his sister, Elissa Covello and his brother in-law Rick Murphy of Alfred, Maine; a thoughtful son-in-law to Frank and Kelly Matranga of San Diego; a loyal brother-in-law to Danielle and her husband Juan; and a fun uncle to nephews, Logan and Emilio, and niece, Melana. He was also that special person in the lives of countless aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends around the world.  Matt was truly one-of-a-kind, and his family and friends are blessed to have known him.  He will live forever in our hearts and we will always feel so very thankful for all the wonderful memories he gave us.  

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 20, 2018, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA.  Matt’s funeral will be held Friday, September 21, from the funeral home with a procession to St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street, Worcester, where a celebration of Christian Mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Burial will be private.  The family requests that flowers be omitted.  Instead a fund for Matt’s children has been set up at Digital Credit Union. Donations may be made to: The Children of Matt Covello c/o Elissa Covello, PO Box 127, Alfred, Maine 04002.