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Matthew J. Furmato, 85, of Cliffwood Beach, NJ passed away Monday, April 5th.
Matthew was born in Jersey City, NJ on July 11, 1935. He grew up in Jersey City, and graduated from Dickenson High School in 1954. He moved to the Bayshore Area in 1960. Matt worked at Western Electric in Kearny, and then for AT&T in Bridgewater, retiring in 1988.
Matt was a devout Catholic—practicing his faith in word and deed. A member of Jesus the Lord Catholic Church in Keyport for many years, he was a jack-of-all-trades in parish life. Matt was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the choir, a repair man around the church and even an altar “boy”. He most recently attended mass at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Laurence Harbor, NJ.
Matt was a protector, a provider, and a hard-worker. He watched over his family at all times – sharing love, advice, and a kick in the pants when needed. He was a man of many talents – a builder, a bread baker, a mason, an electrician, a jokester, a storyteller, a thumb wrestler, a crooner, an auto mechanic, and a connoisseur of Santa hats. He was a sought-after dance partner at every wedding. Matt could fix anything – toys, furniture, cars, and broken hearts. He willingly and generously offered his time, talent, hands, and home to anyone in need. He had the most beautiful handwriting, the heartiest laugh, the most contagious smile, and the strongest arms – arms that could gently hold his smallest grandchild or (in his prime) two cinder blocks in one hand.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine Lucy (Masia) Furmato, and his twelve cherished children: James and Judy Furmato of Newark, DE, Matthew and Taryn Furmato of Flemington, NJ, Rose and James Palazzolo of Albany, GA, Peter and Susan Furmato of Farmingdale, NJ, Angela and Loyd Warren of Albany, GA, Stephanie Furmato of Albany, GA, Thomas and Jennifer Furmato of Battle Creek, MI, Lucy and Joseph Fiordaliso of Monroe, NJ, Theresa and Robert Wordelmann of Mickleton, NJ, Susan and Dallas Kirchoff of North Fort Myers, FL, Philip Furmato and his fiance Christina Corso of Caldwell, NJ and Anne and Michael Scalero of Cliffwood Beach, NJ. Matthew’s legacy will live on through his 52 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Also surviving Matthew are his beloved siblings Joseph and Peggy Furmato of Pt. Pleasant, Peter and Brenda Furmato of Vero Beach, FL, Anne and Ron Jakubowski of Monroe, brother-in-law Angelo Masia of Keyport, sister-in-law Jeanette Masia of Matawan, and sister-in-law Regina Furmato of Toms River. He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
Matthew is predeceased by his parents, James and Rose ( Bernaducci) Furmato and his brother Anthony Furmato.
Near or far, Matt always took the time to make sure his family knew they were loved. His love was returned one hundred times over. He need never doubt that we got the message.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM on Thursday, April 8th at St. Lawrence RC Church in Laurence Harbor, NJ.
Visitation will be held 4 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, April 7th at Day Funeral Home in Keyport, New Jersey. Visitation will be held 9 AM to 9:45 AM on Thursday, April 8th at Day Funeral Home in Keyport, New Jersey.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew J. Furmato, please visit our floral store. A donation may be made in his name to your favorite charity.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew J. Furmato, please visit our floral store.