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  1. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Matt was one of the good guys that would help you out in a pinch and treated folks good. I worked for him briefly years ago. He Will be missed.

  2. My heart goes out to you Denice, Morgan and family. Words cannot express my feelings about this tragedy. Thinking and praying you at this time.

  3. Denise and Morgan
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayering for God’s peace and comfort to surround you.

  4. Matt was such a nice person, he will be missed by many that is for sure and we will miss seeing him at the Exxon!!

  5. Matt was a legend & great 😌 guy!
    We traded many a Bomby at Asheville St during Hurricane 🌀 swells

    You’ll be missed Matt!

  6. Denice
    We are so saddened by your loss. Matt was a great guy and he will be missed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers

  7. Matt was always so good to our family. Denise we are praying for you and your family and Ray and I send our heart-felt condolences.

  8. We are saddened to hear about Matt. We never know why God calls us home especially so early. May you be comforted by your many friends and your family. So many memories……

  9. I am so sorry to hear this, Denice. Matt was a true gentleman, man of his word and a kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family and close friends.

  10. Denise and Morgan – Elaine and I are heartbroken by your loss! We are praying for you both. Matt was always one of our favorite OBX persons. We have so many fond memories of Matt and your family. Blessings! Dave

  11. Ive known Matt for a long time!! Great man loved his family. I’ll miss seeing him in Kellogg’s. He’s been my landlord for over ten years. Kind hardworking man with a heart of gold.

  12. Denny, Morgan and family: Thinking of you with love and sympathy for your great loss. Matt was a great husband and father and he will be greatly missed. I am praying than God will comfort and sustain you as you deal with your loss.

  13. Oh my gosh – I am so sad about this. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are sending lots of love and prayers to Denise, Morgan, and your family.

  14. Mary sent me the notice this morning. Such sad and shocking news. He was such a wonderful husband, father and friend to all he met. Prayers for the family.

  15. Denice and Morgan, I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a good person, husband, and father. I am sending y’all so much love. Rest in peace Matt.

  16. How lucky I have been to have known Matt.
    Matt was more than just a neighbor. A person couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor, friend and fishing buddy. I will greatly miss seeing and talking to him. Matt touched so many lives and never asked for anything in return. Matt was truly a family man and loved his wife Denice and daughter Morgan with all his heart and spoke of them often while fishing. Saying how proud he was of Morgan and talking about his past boating adventures with Denice. God truly took one of the very best of the best, way to soon. Matt and I had so many good times together, fishing, boating, and just hanging out talking about our next fishing adventure. Matt was always there, to lend a helping hand, answering a fishing or boating question or just to say hello with a huge smile. Matt was a real true friend and wonderful person, and life without him will never be the same. Matt, you will be greatly missed and I will have a huge smile remembering all the great times we had together. Until I see you again, farewell my friend. May you rest easy in fair winds and calm seas.

  17. Denise and family, we are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a fine man. During our personal and business dealings with Matt over the past 20+ years, Matt’s friendship and integrity was a positive influence on our lives.

  18. I am so sorry to hear this, my heart and prayers go out to friends and family of Matt! He will be missed greatly! God bless his soul! Again I send my condolences! Rest In Peace brother!

  19. I only met Matt many times on the telephone and I can honestly slay I’m sorry I didn’t personally meet him, he was such a gentleman! I know he lived his life right and he will truly be missed! My most sincere condolences to his family!

  20. Denise and Morgan,
    I am at a lose for words. Matt was the kindest and most honest man I have ever met. He was so special to me as a customer and a mentor as a contractor. His love of life and adventure always brought smile to anyone he came in contact with. I am forever grateful for my time and friendship.

  21. Oh Denice, this is unimaginable. Frank and I thought that Matt was one of the best of the best . I will keep you and Morgan in my prayers. God bless you both. Sharon Barnes

  22. Denise & Morgan
    Our love & prayers are with you♥️Our hearts go out to you and we send our deepest condolences… Matt was an incredible person & will be truly missed by OBX💜

  23. I am so sorry.

    I was the standup surfer that found Matt out in the water by the pier at 7:02 that morning.

  24. Matt was a great person and a wonderful neighbor gone way too soon! He will be missed. Sending love and prayers to Denice and Morgan ❤️🙏🏼

  25. We are sad to hear of the loss of Matt. He was a gentle soul and very kind. I will never eat a bushel of Oysters again and not think of Matt. My deepest thoughts and condolences to Denise and the family.

  26. We are so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He was always there for us and had such a positive attitude regardless of the situation. He is going to be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Denice and family.

  27. OMG, Denice…Nils just told me. Have known Matt since 1988 and he built our rental house when he was at Coastal Horizons. Extremely lucky to have known the both of you, as neighbors in the Point as well. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe The Man. Matt, you will truly, truly be missed by thousands. Rest In Peace, good oyster eating friend…I will always wonder why the really good ones get taken way before their time. Believe me, I know…

  28. I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was very kind to me every time I saw him. Send all of you prayers & light!

  29. Sending our deepest condolences to Denise and the family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

  30. Denice, I was so saddened to hear about this. Matt was so kind and always had a smile. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and Morgan during this difficult time.

  31. I am so sorry to hear the news🥺 he was the sweetest and always knew how to get everyone smiling! I remember during parents weekend Mr. and Mrs. Tappero took me in and treated me like their own because my parents couldn’t make it. He will be so missed! Sending you so much love and hugs ❤️

  32. 2nd post. I deeply sadend for your loss Denice & Morgan. I have a pile of Color Slides& photos of many our great Adventures . Planes, trains. Boats ,ships and some. I happy to share with everyone. I’ll see you on Wed afternoon.
    I’m very happy Cliff / Pastor/ Surfer recovered Matt, & that Matt was doing what he enjoyed as he departed from this earth… we all have great memories to certainly celebrate the great life Matt had while he was here. All my photos of Matt are with a good smile or face of concentration in a plan or crossing a bar in the old boat. Hoping you will be pleaded to share. Sincerely and deeply regretful for his passing… Augie

  33. Dear Denise and Family, Matt was truly a nice man; honest and true to his wife and family. He loved his family and never met a stranger. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Love, Randi Eure

  34. Denice, I’ve know Matt since Coastal Horizon days and that’s 30 plus years. He was always fair to deal with and I appreciated his support. He will be greatly missed by this community. Prayers for you and family. Marie

  35. I was thinking about Matt this past weekend and am not only shocked but saddened. Prayers for Denise and families.

  36. We are sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He was always a kind and friendly person. Please know you all are in our prayers.

  37. I have done concrete work for Matt since I was 22 (42 yrs old now). He was an incredibly hard worker, great contractor and a incredible man. He will be missed on the job site. God be with his family.

  38. My Dear Denice,
    I was so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. I shall always remember the laughs we had watching the dogs play in your backyard. His ever present laugh and smile will be missed.
    God Bless –

  39. Denice & Morgan, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to Matt! I’ll always remember our progress dinner & ever since then my crab cakes are better due to the tip (and secret ingredient) he shared with me. I’ll miss seeing you both walking – you were such a beautiful couple!

  40. I am so sorry to hear of this. We were great friends in high school and I had just communicated with him about getting together when we come to Nagshead fishing this fall. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a great guy and his Mom was a wonderful person. Very sad and unexpected. May his family find comfort in fond memories of Matt.

  41. This is a really hard loss to accept and I’m still wishing there was an UNDO button. Maybe the first step is to be thankful for having a good and positive person in life such as Matt. I didn’t know him well but have been a friend and admirer of his mom for 27 years. It’s easy to see how she would raise a wonderful son. My love to her, as well as Denice and Morgan, and the many who will miss him. May we all honor his legacy by adding a little bit of extra kindness and a few extra smiles to each day we are given.

  42. Denice, Morgan and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So very sorry, Matt will be ever so missed.

  43. Dear Denice, Morgan, and Ms. Cille,
    The loss of a son, husband, and father is great. My deepest condolences. Take your wonderful memories of Matt and wrap them around your heart to hold it together as you go through this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.

  44. Denice, we have always enjoyed seeing you and Matt out and about over the years and catching up. He was such a kind man and always with a genuine smile. We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you, Morgan and your family.

  45. A truly honorable man, Matt was always such a pleasure to talk to and be around. Sincerest condolences to Denice and his entire family. This is an incredible loss to the OBX community.

  46. Matt and I were friends in high school and played football together. Great person and a friend to many. My condolences to the family.

  47. Denice, Morgan, Bryant, I send deep condolences to you and all your family. Matt was a wonderful man and will be missed deeply.

  48. Denice,Morgan and Lucille I am truly saddened by your loss of Matt. I pray you will find comfort and peace with the memories you all love and share.

  49. So very sorry to hear this. Matt was always such a pleasure to know and to work with. Our condolences to the entire Family.

  50. Denice, Morgan and Lucille, I am so very sorry for your loss of Matt. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you share.

  51. We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Matt. He was such a warm friendly person and I always looked forward to seeing him . Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy.

  52. Denice and family – so sad to hear that Matt had passed away – sincere condolences to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  53. I work with Matt for many years in the construction industry we spent a little personal time together as well what a great caring and loving person I truly enjoyed our time together surfing and boating. he will be greatly missed. God bless you on your journey. My condolences to the family my God bless you all

  54. Denice, may your heart be filled with fond memories of Matt shared over a lifetime.
    Our condolences for your loss. Jeff & Kelly

  55. Matt was a wonderful guy with a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

  56. Matt was a wonderful man. One of the nicest guys you’d ever meet. He will be truly missed, my deepest condolences.

  57. Shocking! I had the pleasure of knowing Matt on a professional level as well as
    on a personal level. I was employed by Griggs lmbr co for over 23 yrs. As
    manager of the kitchen & bath dept Matt became one of my top 3 accounts.
    From a professional stand point, Matt always had a lot going on, but he always
    had a calmness and maturity about him that he exuded calmness and never
    showed anger or frustration to me. It was such a pleasure to work with Matt,
    I always felt welcome and relaxed around him.
    I drew up the plans for my house and Matt took the time to make some helpful
    suggestions to make the final results so much nicer. Not only was Matt an
    outstanding builder, he was just an incredible good man. We also enjoyed some
    great fishing trips together. I will treasure those moments.

    Stuart Baldwin,
    Grandy, NC

  58. Please accept our sincerest condolences, Denice, Morgan and family, for your loss. Capt Al remembers the day he caught his first red drum on a fly rod, and how excited he was. He loved to fish, and I loved fishing with him. Matt was a fine man.

  59. Denice, Morgan and Lucille,
    My heart is with you all. Rob and I are so very sorry and can’t believe this has happened. Such a huge loss to you, the community and the world. Keeping you close in my prayers…

  60. Learned of Matt’s passing this morning via the Virginian-Pilot. In 2015, our family was fortunate to have Matt oversee a major renovation to our beach house in Duck, NC. Matt was an absolute gentleman and professional. I recall arriving one afternoon right before a big storm hit and finding him high on the roof helping his subs get a roof on (just in time). Whenever we mentioned that Matt was doing our work each and every person had something VERY positive and complimentary to say. Matt asked me about my Navy career and that’s when I learned of his love for the water. I was shocked and very saddened to hear of his passing. This world has lost a good and kind human being. Condolences to Matt’s entire family from the Crockett family here in Norfolk.

  61. Matt built a house for us in 1998. He was friendly,conscientious, and dependable. He was a joy to deal with and a good person. You have our deepest condolences.

  62. My condolences to the family and everyone that knew Matt. I , with Steve Lane were college roommates with Matt at Elon. Took my first trip to Key West with Matt and our first trip to Vale Co, for spring break at Elon. Lost and great friend from my past and so many good times . You lived life on your terms which most of us don’t have a chance to do. RIP. Matt.

  63. Denise and Morgan,
    My heart breaks for you during this time of great loss. Matt was truly a kind and gentle soul. May you find comfort and peace in the beautiful memories that you’ve created with Matt and as a family.

  64. Denice and Family–Matt built our house–the first High Cotton in KDH– in 1998. We knew, from the beginning, he was not just a good contractor, he was a good man.

    We are from Greensboro and knowing he graduated from Elon gave us an immediate connection.

    We are so sorry. He made us happy.

    Rest in Peace, Matt

    Love

    Leon and Anne

  65. Denice, Morgan and Ms Lucille…words can not express the sorrow. Words can not express the love this community has for you…knowing you are heavy on the minds of many with love for you….❤️

  66. I was so saddened to hear the news of this great tragedy. My prayers and love go out to Denise and Morgan and the rest of your family.

  67. Denice and family,
    We recently met Matt for the first time and he completed an AWESOME decking update for us at Kitty Hawk.

    We are as shocked as everyone, please know we are thinking and praying for your family during this sudden sad loss.

    Matt was a man of his word and his work was perfect- details show and we will admire his beautiful work for years to come.
    Sincerely, David and Jane

  68. So saddened to hear this sad news! I worked for Matt, Jess & Gordon when they had Coastal Horizons. Matt was the best of the bunch! Always easy and kind to work for. I know he will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his wife, daughter & family.

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Matthew James Tappero

August 27, 2022

Matthew “Matt” James Tappero, age 67, of Kitty Hawk, NC died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, VA and lived in Bedford, VA through high school. Matt was preceded in death by his father, Max Tappero, stepmother Jane Tappero and stepfather Willis Levan.

Matt was a graduate of Bedford High School and Elon University. Upon graduating from college, Matt moved to the Outer Banks for the summer and ended up staying a lifetime. He began working in construction, found his calling and went on to obtain his North Carolina general contractor’s license. He created his own company, Coastal Construction of North Carolina, Inc, and with his wife Denice by his side, worked to build countless commercial and residential properties up and down the Outer Banks. Matt was a well regarded, trusted and highly skilled general contractor for over 30 years.

Matt had an infinite zest for life and adventure. He was passionate about cooking, any kind of boating, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding (he loved to catch a good wave), sailing, water skiing, wake boarding, snow skiing, flying, hiking and golfing. Above everything else, his family was most important to him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner in every avenue of life, Denice Tappero; daughter, Morgan Tappero; and mother, Lucille Levan. Also surviving and very special to Matt are his in-laws, Marty and Tom Haske; brother-in-law, Steve Hauser and wife Donna; stepbrother, Bryant Hare; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Matt was kind and caring and very dear to many people in many walks of life. He had an ever-present positive attitude about everything, always had a smile on his face and made everyone he met feel special and important. He will be greatly missed by his family, his co-workers and so, so many friends.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Jennette’s Pier from 2:30-5:30pm with a brief program to start at 3:00pm. All are welcome to share memories with the family anytime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be shared via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences

Sandra Kent

Please accept my sincerest condolences. Matt was one of the good guys that would help you out in a pinch and treated folks good. I worked for him briefly years ago. He Will be missed.

Nina Foster

My heart goes out to you Denice, Morgan and family. Words cannot express my feelings about this tragedy. Thinking and praying you at this time.

Lisa Hobson

Denise and Morgan I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayering for God's peace and comfort to surround you.

Heather Janicki

Matt was such a nice person, he will be missed by many that is for sure and we will miss seeing him at the Exxon!!

Matt & Stacey Blake

Matt was a legend & great 😌 guy! We traded many a Bomby at Asheville St during Hurricane 🌀 swells You’ll be missed Matt!

Gregg and Danielle Nigro

Denice We are so saddened by your loss. Matt was a great guy and he will be missed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers

Lisa and Ray Scott

Matt was always so good to our family. Denise we are praying for you and your family and Ray and I send our heart-felt condolences.

Dan and Anne York

We are saddened to hear about Matt. We never know why God calls us home especially so early. May you be comforted by your many friends and your family. So many memories......

Maxine Rossman

I am so sorry to hear this, Denice. Matt was a true gentleman, man of his word and a kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family and close friends.

Dave and Elaine Lundahl

Denise and Morgan - Elaine and I are heartbroken by your loss! We are praying for you both. Matt was always one of our favorite OBX persons. We have so many fond memories of Matt and your family. Blessings! Dave

Melissa McCurdy

Ive known Matt for a long time!! Great man loved his family. I’ll miss seeing him in Kellogg’s. He’s been my landlord for over ten years. Kind hardworking man with a heart of gold.

Suzie Leow

Denny, Morgan and family: Thinking of you with love and sympathy for your great loss. Matt was a great husband and father and he will be greatly missed. I am praying than God will comfort and sustain you as you deal with your loss.

Sallie & BL Ackley

Oh my gosh - I am so sad about this. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are sending lots of love and prayers to Denise, Morgan, and your family.

Micki and Tom

Our hearts are with you, Denice and Morgan.

Terry Brogan

Mary sent me the notice this morning. Such sad and shocking news. He was such a wonderful husband, father and friend to all he met. Prayers for the family.

Scarlet Westenhiser

Denice and Morgan, I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a good person, husband, and father. I am sending y’all so much love. Rest in peace Matt.

Cindy Neal

Sooo sorry, Denise.!!! Heartbreaking 💔

Linda and Rick Pasqua

Deepest Condolences to the family……Such a loss and gone way too soon!🙏❤️

Chris Rubio

Denice, I am sorry to hear the news. Your family will be in our thoughts.

Steve and Judy Sykes

Much love to Denice and Morgan. Goodbye to Matt. Many good times and love.

George Fockler

How lucky I have been to have known Matt. Matt was more than just a neighbor. A person couldn't have asked for a better neighbor, friend and fishing buddy. I will greatly miss seeing and talking to him. Matt touched so many lives and never asked for anything in return. Matt was truly a family man and loved his wife Denice and daughter Morgan with all his heart and spoke of them often while fishing. Saying how proud he was of Morgan and talking about his past boating adventures with Denice. God truly took one of the very best of the best, way to soon. Matt and I had so many good times together, fishing, boating, and just hanging out talking about our next fishing adventure. Matt was always there, to lend a helping hand, answering a fishing or boating question or just to say hello with a huge smile. Matt was a real true friend and wonderful person, and life without him will never be the same. Matt, you will be greatly missed and I will have a huge smile remembering all the great times we had together. Until I see you again, farewell my friend. May you rest easy in fair winds and calm seas.

Steve and Judy Sykes

So sorry for you Denice and Morgan. Love and strength to you at this time.

Tony & Faye Currin

Denise and family, we are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a fine man. During our personal and business dealings with Matt over the past 20+ years, Matt's friendship and integrity was a positive influence on our lives.

Eric Weber

I am so sorry to hear this, my heart and prayers go out to friends and family of Matt! He will be missed greatly! God bless his soul! Again I send my condolences! Rest In Peace brother!

Heather Robertson

Denice and Morgan, We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending you both lots of love!

Jeff Vreugdenhil

I only met Matt many times on the telephone and I can honestly slay I’m sorry I didn’t personally meet him, he was such a gentleman! I know he lived his life right and he will truly be missed! My most sincere condolences to his family!

Phillip Meggs

Denise and Morgan, I am at a lose for words. Matt was the kindest and most honest man I have ever met. He was so special to me as a customer and a mentor as a contractor. His love of life and adventure always brought smile to anyone he came in contact with. I am forever grateful for my time and friendship.

Sharon and Frank Barnes

Oh Denice, this is unimaginable. Frank and I thought that Matt was one of the best of the best . I will keep you and Morgan in my prayers. God bless you both. Sharon Barnes

John & Bonnie Bennett

Denise & Morgan Our love & prayers are with you♥️Our hearts go out to you and we send our deepest condolences… Matt was an incredible person & will be truly missed by OBX💜

Cliff Jenkins, 252-207-6904

I am so sorry. I was the standup surfer that found Matt out in the water by the pier at 7:02 that morning.

Angela Grooms

Matt was a great person and a wonderful neighbor gone way too soon! He will be missed. Sending love and prayers to Denice and Morgan ❤️🙏🏼

Lori London

We are sad to hear of the loss of Matt. He was a gentle soul and very kind. I will never eat a bushel of Oysters again and not think of Matt. My deepest thoughts and condolences to Denise and the family.

Cathy & Dave Zatloukal

We are so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He was always there for us and had such a positive attitude regardless of the situation. He is going to be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Denice and family.

Tim Rardin

OMG, Denice…Nils just told me. Have known Matt since 1988 and he built our rental house when he was at Coastal Horizons. Extremely lucky to have known the both of you, as neighbors in the Point as well. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe The Man. Matt, you will truly, truly be missed by thousands. Rest In Peace, good oyster eating friend…I will always wonder why the really good ones get taken way before their time. Believe me, I know…

Margaret Caldwell

I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was very kind to me every time I saw him. Send all of you prayers & light!

Mike and Pam OSteen

Sending our deepest condolences to Denise and the family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Kaye B Jones

Denice, I was so saddened to hear about this. Matt was so kind and always had a smile. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and Morgan during this difficult time.

Joseph Alan Austin

Ours hearts and minds go out to you and your family! You kindness and understanding was untouched!

Ron Bennett

So very very sorry to hear about Matt's passing. He was one on the "Good Guys".

Ed Lizewski

My deepest sympathies to your family. Totally shocked to hear this news. Rest well.

Jonathan Daniels

So sorry for your loss, Matt was an outstanding guy and will be missed.

Kristen Berardi

I am so sorry to hear the news🥺 he was the sweetest and always knew how to get everyone smiling! I remember during parents weekend Mr. and Mrs. Tappero took me in and treated me like their own because my parents couldn’t make it. He will be so missed! Sending you so much love and hugs ❤️

Augie misiak

2nd post. I deeply sadend for your loss Denice & Morgan. I have a pile of Color Slides& photos of many our great Adventures . Planes, trains. Boats ,ships and some. I happy to share with everyone. I'll see you on Wed afternoon. I'm very happy Cliff / Pastor/ Surfer recovered Matt, & that Matt was doing what he enjoyed as he departed from this earth... we all have great memories to certainly celebrate the great life Matt had while he was here. All my photos of Matt are with a good smile or face of concentration in a plan or crossing a bar in the old boat. Hoping you will be pleaded to share. Sincerely and deeply regretful for his passing... Augie

Randi Eure

Dear Denise and Family, Matt was truly a nice man; honest and true to his wife and family. He loved his family and never met a stranger. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Love, Randi Eure

Marie Cunningham

Denice, I’ve know Matt since Coastal Horizon days and that’s 30 plus years. He was always fair to deal with and I appreciated his support. He will be greatly missed by this community. Prayers for you and family. Marie

Dick Thompson

I was thinking about Matt this past weekend and am not only shocked but saddened. Prayers for Denise and families.

Otis & Sue Culpepper

We are sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He was always a kind and friendly person. Please know you all are in our prayers.

Chris Scarborough

I have done concrete work for Matt since I was 22 (42 yrs old now). He was an incredibly hard worker, great contractor and a incredible man. He will be missed on the job site. God be with his family.

Joy Thompson

My Dear Denice, I was so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I shall always remember the laughs we had watching the dogs play in your backyard. His ever present laugh and smile will be missed. God Bless -

Pamela Smith

Denice & Morgan, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to Matt! I’ll always remember our progress dinner & ever since then my crab cakes are better due to the tip (and secret ingredient) he shared with me. I’ll miss seeing you both walking - you were such a beautiful couple!

Garry Howard

I am so sorry to hear of this. We were great friends in high school and I had just communicated with him about getting together when we come to Nagshead fishing this fall. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a great guy and his Mom was a wonderful person. Very sad and unexpected. May his family find comfort in fond memories of Matt.

Leckie Conners

This is a really hard loss to accept and I’m still wishing there was an UNDO button. Maybe the first step is to be thankful for having a good and positive person in life such as Matt. I didn’t know him well but have been a friend and admirer of his mom for 27 years. It’s easy to see how she would raise a wonderful son. My love to her, as well as Denice and Morgan, and the many who will miss him. May we all honor his legacy by adding a little bit of extra kindness and a few extra smiles to each day we are given.

Mac and Amy Crisler

Denice, Morgan and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So very sorry, Matt will be ever so missed.

ruthiecharlton

May the peace of God our father be with you all.

Beverly G Boswell

Dear Denice, Morgan, and Ms. Cille, The loss of a son, husband, and father is great. My deepest condolences. Take your wonderful memories of Matt and wrap them around your heart to hold it together as you go through this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.

Chris and Kimberly Carroll

Denice, we have always enjoyed seeing you and Matt out and about over the years and catching up. He was such a kind man and always with a genuine smile. We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you, Morgan and your family.

Heidi Corsello

A truly honorable man, Matt was always such a pleasure to talk to and be around. Sincerest condolences to Denice and his entire family. This is an incredible loss to the OBX community.

Thomas F. Cayton

Matt and I were friends in high school and played football together. Great person and a friend to many. My condolences to the family.

Reve Carwile

Denice, Morgan, Bryant, I send deep condolences to you and all your family. Matt was a wonderful man and will be missed deeply.

Kathy S Munden

Denice,Morgan and Lucille I am truly saddened by your loss of Matt. I pray you will find comfort and peace with the memories you all love and share.

Karl and Debby Daniels

So very sorry to hear this. Matt was always such a pleasure to know and to work with. Our condolences to the entire Family.

Kathy S Munden

Denice, Morgan and Lucille, I am so very sorry for your loss of Matt. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you share.

Jim and Wendy Braithwaite

We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Matt. He was such a warm friendly person and I always looked forward to seeing him . Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy.

Karen Ritenour

Denice and family - so sad to hear that Matt had passed away - sincere condolences to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff Emanuelson

I work with Matt for many years in the construction industry we spent a little personal time together as well what a great caring and loving person I truly enjoyed our time together surfing and boating. he will be greatly missed. God bless you on your journey. My condolences to the family my God bless you all

Scott & Ann Nicholson

Our condolences on your loss Denice, Matt was a gem.

jeff Shields

Denice, may your heart be filled with fond memories of Matt shared over a lifetime. Our condolences for your loss. Jeff & Kelly

Russell and Kari Taylor

Matt was a wonderful guy with a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Jason Laird

Matt was a wonderful man. One of the nicest guys you'd ever meet. He will be truly missed, my deepest condolences.

Stuart Baldwin

Shocking! I had the pleasure of knowing Matt on a professional level as well as on a personal level. I was employed by Griggs lmbr co for over 23 yrs. As manager of the kitchen & bath dept Matt became one of my top 3 accounts. From a professional stand point, Matt always had a lot going on, but he always had a calmness and maturity about him that he exuded calmness and never showed anger or frustration to me. It was such a pleasure to work with Matt, I always felt welcome and relaxed around him. I drew up the plans for my house and Matt took the time to make some helpful suggestions to make the final results so much nicer. Not only was Matt an outstanding builder, he was just an incredible good man. We also enjoyed some great fishing trips together. I will treasure those moments. Stuart Baldwin, Grandy, NC

Capt Al & Lynette Dudley

Please accept our sincerest condolences, Denice, Morgan and family, for your loss. Capt Al remembers the day he caught his first red drum on a fly rod, and how excited he was. He loved to fish, and I loved fishing with him. Matt was a fine man.

Karen Bachman

Denice, Morgan and Lucille, My heart is with you all. Rob and I are so very sorry and can't believe this has happened. Such a huge loss to you, the community and the world. Keeping you close in my prayers...

Michael Crockett

Learned of Matt's passing this morning via the Virginian-Pilot. In 2015, our family was fortunate to have Matt oversee a major renovation to our beach house in Duck, NC. Matt was an absolute gentleman and professional. I recall arriving one afternoon right before a big storm hit and finding him high on the roof helping his subs get a roof on (just in time). Whenever we mentioned that Matt was doing our work each and every person had something VERY positive and complimentary to say. Matt asked me about my Navy career and that's when I learned of his love for the water. I was shocked and very saddened to hear of his passing. This world has lost a good and kind human being. Condolences to Matt's entire family from the Crockett family here in Norfolk.

Joe Cook

Matt built a house for us in 1998. He was friendly,conscientious, and dependable. He was a joy to deal with and a good person. You have our deepest condolences.

Jay Moore

My condolences to the family and everyone that knew Matt. I , with Steve Lane were college roommates with Matt at Elon. Took my first trip to Key West with Matt and our first trip to Vale Co, for spring break at Elon. Lost and great friend from my past and so many good times . You lived life on your terms which most of us don’t have a chance to do. RIP. Matt.

Lynda Wood

Denise and Morgan, My heart breaks for you during this time of great loss. Matt was truly a kind and gentle soul. May you find comfort and peace in the beautiful memories that you've created with Matt and as a family.

Leon and Anne Joyner

Denice and Family--Matt built our house--the first High Cotton in KDH-- in 1998. We knew, from the beginning, he was not just a good contractor, he was a good man. We are from Greensboro and knowing he graduated from Elon gave us an immediate connection. We are so sorry. He made us happy. Rest in Peace, Matt Love Leon and Anne

Rose Grandy

Denice, Morgan and Ms Lucille…words can not express the sorrow. Words can not express the love this community has for you…knowing you are heavy on the minds of many with love for you….❤️

Lori Douglas

I was so saddened to hear the news of this great tragedy. My prayers and love go out to Denise and Morgan and the rest of your family.

David and Jane McNeill

Denice and family, We recently met Matt for the first time and he completed an AWESOME decking update for us at Kitty Hawk. We are as shocked as everyone, please know we are thinking and praying for your family during this sudden sad loss. Matt was a man of his word and his work was perfect- details show and we will admire his beautiful work for years to come. Sincerely, David and Jane

Judy Heilman

So saddened to hear this sad news! I worked for Matt, Jess & Gordon when they had Coastal Horizons. Matt was the best of the bunch! Always easy and kind to work for. I know he will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his wife, daughter & family.

Joe Ratliff

Denice and Morgan , I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was a great guy.

Tammy Davenport

Denice, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. You, Morgan and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.