In Memory of Matthew Ryan Lufrano
This page is dedicated to Matthew Ryan Lufrano. Everyone that has known Matt during any part of his life will say the same thing. His Heart was bigger than anyone’s; he was always the center of any room; he always was able to lighten the mood and bring a smile to your face. He loved his family more than anything and would do anything for them. He was the friend that everyone wanted. While this may sound colloquial and something that is said whenever someone is taken before their time, this is true for Matt.
I know these words do not do justice to serve his memory. I hope that everyone who reads these words can fill in their own stories of Matt that I cannot or am unable to communicate in this short description. Please share your stories and memories of Matt and help let his memory live on so his children and grandchildren can look back on computers (or other devices that people will use in the future) and remember him and how he has impacted so many people. Saturday, August 31, 2013 was a beautiful day in Hawaii like so many. It would be Matt’s last day with his family before his tragic injuries that would take his life. Matt and his family spent the day at Kailua Beach. The photographs taken that day immortalize Matt and the way he should be remembered: As a loving father and husband who cherished time with his family. |
While surfing at Kailua Beach that day, Matt suffered a fatal spinal cord injury and was rendered unconscious in the water. Suzin and with the help of countless people at the beach helped Matt out of the water and performed CPR until the ambulance could arrive and take Matt to the hospital. Without these unknown angels, Matt surely would not have survived for the time that he did. This allowed his loved ones a chance to say goodbye. We hope that these angels can read this one day and know how thankful we are for their kindness.
The last week of Matt’s life was spent in the hospital. Matt was surrounded with the people that he loved and the people that loved him. Endless stories of Matt (which are known as “Matt Stories”) were told breaking up the gravity of the moment. In his honor, Notre Dame football was watched on the 16 inch screen in his room with everyone dressed for the occasion as Matt would have wanted it. On September 8, 2013, at 4:05 pm (HST) Matt’s heart stopped beating. I will share what Matt’s brothers wrote about him when he passed as their words are stronger than mine: “With an extremely heavy heart I'm sad to say that we lost my brother Matthew Ryan Lufrano yesterday at 4:05 in the afternoon on a beautiful Hawaiian day. If you knew Matt you know what a tremendous loss this is for us and everyone that he touched. His heart was bigger than the ocean and his smile and laughter would light up a room. A piece of my heart will be gone forever. I love you Matt. Aloha my brother” Christopher Lufrano “Sunday, at 4:05 pm Hawaii time, my brother Matt passed away. He passed peacefully with his family at his side. He will be missed more than words can describe. Thank you to all of our family and friends for your prayers and support. Funeral arrangements have not been made yet. We will let you know.” Patrick Lufrano Matt was born on November 6, 1975. He was 37 when he passed. He is survived by his wife, Suzin Testa Lufrano, daughters Emily Ryan 8, Anabella Nicole 6, parents Anthony and MaryKay Lufrano, brothers Christopher and Patrick. While it is hard to ask for help, the family needs financial help more than ever in this time of need. I hope that you can find it in your hearts to give whatever you can to Suzin and their children. If Matt could have one thing in this time, I know it would be to ease the burden on Suzin, Emily, and Bella. Prayers and well wishes are certainly needed and we hope these will continue. We also hope that you can help with the financial burden that this young family is facing in any way you can. |