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WELCOME TO...
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Remembering Matthew Hurte 1993-2008 |
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It
is with deep
sorrow that I share with you the loss of one of The Tailgater family, Matthew Hurte.
Matthew was the son of columnist Bobby Hurte, whose warm sports
history columns grace these pages each month.
Matthew died suddenly and unexpectedly from a brain hemorrhage on
Thursday, April 17, at their home in The
place was packed, with the line snaking out the back door and far out into
the parking lot. This is a
tribute to the kind of young man Bobby and Barbara raised.
There were his friends from high school, coaches who knew him from
sports teams, teachers, classmates and teammates from all over the area.
Local officials, religious leaders and people from all walks of
life came to pay tribute to this wonderful young man.
He was loved by all for his vibrancy, his creativity, his
compassion but most of all his sweetness.
He was simply a great kid, the kind of kid that any parent would be
proud to call their own. Matthew
played sax in the school band and taught himself drums and piano. He loved
computers and electronics and was studying that field in high school.
Matthew played soccer and baseball and this past year coached his
younger brother Samuel's soccer team with his father. He
was a huge fan of the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Matthew was also an active member of the youth group at the local
Presbyterian church where he was baptized and confirmed. In
addition to his loving parents, Matthew leaves behind his sister Tegan and
brother Samuel. One of the things I overheard in the receiving line was
what a terrific big brother Matthew was.
This goes to the heart of what we are here on earth to do – love
thy neighbor, love thy brother. Even
after he died, Matthew continued to do this, as he donated his organs to
those in need. We
at The Tailgater create our
monthly magazine in an attempt to capture the fun and spirit of sports
fans who come together and spend time with their tailgating families.
Its things like this that make us remember just how truly important
family is and how important it is to spend time with your family.
The day after Matthew passed I sat with Bobby and he told me how
every day before he left for work he would kiss his children and tell them
that he loved them. Every day,
without fail. And he was so
glad that he did, as you never know when you won’t get that chance
again. And
so I ask you as our family of tailgaters to take time today and tell your
family you love them. Make it
a habit. And please take a
moment to offer a prayer for Matthew and Bobby and Barbara and Tegan and
Samuel. Pray God gives them
peace and heals their broken hearts. #
# # # # In
addition to the overwhelming grief associated with the loss of Matthew,
there are also financial implications that must be dealt with. For those
who wish to contribute, a fund has been set up in Matthew’s honor. Every
donation will make a difference. Checks
can be made payable to: Matthew Hurte Memorial Fund, in care of Greenwich
Municipal Building, 321 Greenwich Street, Stewartsville, NJ, 08886.
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"When tailgating, we're all on the same team!" Tailgate Media, LLC, 252
Orchard Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 |
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