Many of you recall Matt Robertson as our liaison with AAA, a young professional who mastered the art of putting client success ahead of his own. Those of you who didn't know Matt as an account executive may remember him as the gentle giant of a man who was a regular attendee at all of our events. Matt served as both a member of the Tourism Excellence Awards Committee and as a longstanding awards sponsor.
Most of all, though, Matt was a friend and a member of our NYSTIA 'family'. His passing on June 6 at age 30 is a tragedy, even more so as he was just beginning his journey as a newlywed/husband and soon-to-be father. I will miss him and mourn him personally, and I know that many of you will join me in doing so.
- Bob Provost
You can read Matthew's full obituary below, or on the funeral home website here.
gofundme link: https://gofund.me/
Matthew James Robertson passed away at the age of 30 on Monday, June 6th, 2022.
Visiting will be Sunday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11am at St. Clare's Church, Paulding and Rhinelander Avenues, Bronx. Entombment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, 280 Secor Road, Hartsdale. In lieu of flowers, you may want to consider donating on GoFundMe to help Gracie and their baby. Any and all contributions are welcome and appreciated. Thank you for your generosity and prayers. Contributions in Memory of Matthew James Robertson
He is survived by his wife Graziella, his baby-to-be, parents Tommie and Cathy Robertson, brother and sister-in-law Scott and Jenna Robertson, grandmother Patsy Brewer, Nonno Angelo and Nonna Maria Silvestri, father-in-law and godparent Peter Fragale, mother-in-law and godparent Cristina Fragale, sister-in-laws Angela, AnnaRose and Gianna Fragale, brother-in-law John Fragale, nephew William Robertson and niece Blaire Robertson. Matt is also survived by his Uncle Tim and Aunt Julie Robertson, Uncle Steve and Aunt Teresa Robertson, Aunt Teresa and Uncle Jim Lamb, Uncle Ted and Aunt Sarah Brewer, Aunt Amy Neal, Aunt Silvana and Uncle Rocco Zambrano, Aunt Madeline and Uncle Mohammad Joudah, Aunt Francine and Uncle Nicky DiGaudio, and cousins Eric and Alli Lamb, Aaron and Tiffany Robertson, Kyle Robertson, Stacie and Brian Jung, Kelly Lamb, Michelle and Alex Alonso, Haley Neal, Burton Brewer, Ahmed Joudah, Briana Zambrano, Joseph Joudah, GraceAnn DiGaudio, Frank Zambrano, Angelo Joudah and Frankie DiGaudio.
Matt was a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, cousin, friend and colleague. He cherished his relationships with his best friends in Nebraska, his cousins, his Morningside friends, and his colleagues at H&A Media, AAA and Criteo. In November of 2021, he was inspired to start RCIA and was happily baptized in April at St. Mary's Church in East Islip. Matt had the biggest heart, and kept room for so much in his life. He loved traveling, meeting new people, watching fireworks, playing disc golf, Schmigos, bourbon and the finer things in life. Anytime he was dealing a hand of Texas hold em, you could expect him to say “remember to tip your dealer!". He loved playing the drums and was fondly called “Matty Sticks" in the Fragale Family band. He took pride in his home on Long Island and always had a project that he was working on to beautify his home. His passion for graphic design manifested in the creation of his company Nimbl Media, though he designed logos and prints for his family and friends pro-bono. He loved the band Rebelution and proudly attended over 10 concerts. It was common to find him watching college football, his Huskers, drinking espresso, making orange cookies, snuggling up to his puppies Toby and Oliver, forcing Gracie to play marbles, or facetiming his two favorite babies (his ring bearer and flower girl), William and Brooklyn. Everyone that was lucky enough to meet him was instantly captivated by his charm. No one more so than Grace, when fate brought Matt from Nebraska to New York in October of 2018. His love for Grace was tremendous, and he instantly bought into the Italian New York culture. He would do anything for her family, and was always one call away for any of his siblings. He was the most romantic partner, surprising Gracie with 10 handwritten notes and white roses as she got ready on their wedding day. After their wedding on September 5th, 2021, they gave us the best gift of all, a new bundle of joy arriving July 2022.
Matthew was officially diagnosed with epithelioid angiosarcoma, a highly aggressive and rare cancer targeting his blood vessels. It took him from us too quickly, exactly three weeks after his first trip to the ER.
St. Matthew, pray for us.