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Matthew Gillette Obituary

EUP Football Coach Matthew Thomas Gillette, 37, of Edinboro, died unexpectedly, Friday, April 30, 2010 at St. Vincent's Hospital. He was born June 28, 1972 in Erie, the son of Deborah L. Gillette and the late John J. Gillette. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1990, Eastern Michigan University in 1996, and was currently enrolled at Edinboro University for his Master's in Secondary Education. Matt played football at EMU from 1990-1995. After graduation he worked for Gillette Masonry for 11 years. He was currently coaching football for the Fighting Scots at EUP. He was a member of the Professional Scholastic Football Coaches Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association, and the National Science Teacher Association. Matt enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to music, and spending time together with his family. He had a unique interest in the study of weather, history and science. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Kelly (Zylstra) Gillette, daughters Meghan and Elizabeth; his mother, Deborah L. Gillette (friend, Terry McQuaid) of Fairview; brother, Brian (Tami) Gillette of Edinboro; sister, Abby (Doug) Eldred of Cambridge Springs; father- and mother-in-law, Bruce and Jan Zylstra of N. Fort Myers, Fla.; sister-in-law, Kristin (Mike) Row of Oregon, Ohio. Nieces and nephews Hannah and Brooke Eldred, and Lucas, Kyle and Eric Row; and many aunts, uncles and cousins; and his faithful friend, chocolate lab Riley. The Glunt Funeral Home, Edinboro, is in charge of funeral arrangements. Friends may call at the McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A service will be held there on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Glenn Wills and Fr. John Jacquel officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Gillette Memorial Fund or the EUP Football Program.

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Published by Erie Times-News on May 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Gillette

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Rose Marchini

September 20, 2010

Debbie, You don't know me, but I lost my 30 year old son in Feb 2010. I understand what you're going through. My heart goes out to you & your family.

Shellie Reiser

May 28, 2010

My deepest sympathy's to you and your family.

Ed/Sue/Kelley/JC Laird

May 11, 2010

To the Gillette Family, may we express our sincere sympathies during this painful, awkward and profoundly sad time. Jan and Bruce Zylstra are friends at New Hope EPC Church in Ft. Myers, FL. We do not know you, Debbie, but we pray for all of you to find comfort in God and his promises during this time.

May 10, 2010

To the Gillette Family,
Matt and I entered EMU as freshman football players and went on to share a number of memories that came out of Ypsilanti. My thoughts and prayers got out to the family of a great man.

Ron Rice
President, NFL Players Association Former Players-Detroit

Angela Patton-Clark

May 10, 2010

My deepest and sincerest sympathy goes out to the Gillette family.

May 9, 2010

Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about your son. You and your family are in my prayers. Cindy Fobes Ika, Mesa, AZ

Jill Cryder Hall

May 9, 2010

Debbie and family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are all in my prayers.

paulette senyo,eisert

May 8, 2010

debbie,you and your family are in my heart and prayers.paulette

May 8, 2010

debbie, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. paulette(senyo)eisert

Shannon (Cooper) Bealles

May 7, 2010

I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I only knew the Gillette family for a short period of time when my family lived in Albion many years ago. What I remember about Matt is he was a funny guy. Always picking on Brian and Abby the way older brothers do. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Brian Clouse(68 Huron)

May 7, 2010

Hi Kelly, I came to know Matt through the recent conversations I had with him regarding his desire to coach at EMU. Regardless of the turnout I felt honored to personally recommend him. I cannot tell you how sad I am for you, your children and your family's loss. My prayers are with you all.

Missi (Williams) Spirito

May 7, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Matt's family and friends. So many tragedies for one family to go through. I pray that God provides peace and comfort to you all.

Kelly Kmieske

May 6, 2010

Kelly and family - I am sending you all the love and healing thoughts I can summon! There is not much to say that will ease your pain, but there are many, many people that care deeply that your heart is breaking. Be strong! Kelly & Doug Kmieske

Bill Weyeneth

May 6, 2010

Dear Gillette Family,

My deepest condolences on the loss of Matt.

In our six years of junior/high school, I was fortunate to have had many classes with Matt. To me, he was this tall, goofy, gentle giant . . . smart and funny, and for a teenager unusually upbeat - always with a smile and positive attitude. In our senior year, I remember having this small biology class with Matt. Let's just say, he made learning, not just educational, but entertaining.

Those of us lucky enough to have had Matt in our lives, will remember him as this colossal ball of positive energy. He was someone you would want in your class, on your team, as your teacher or coach, but mostly, just in your life. I am a better person for knowing him. He was my friend, and I will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Kim Fox

May 6, 2010

There are no words to express the shock and sorrow I felt when I heard of Matt's passing. I did not know Matt. I met Kelly and her daughters while student teaching. I feel the need to do something to help them through this time. I will keep you all in my prayers. May God wrap his arms around you and support you during this time.

Kevin Beverly

May 6, 2010

Hello Kelly. It's your friend Kevin Beverly.

Some of my fondest memories at EMU were with Matt and yourself. As you know, we entered EMU together as freshman and played next to each other on the O-Line for several years. Matt was always a great friend that I knew I could depend on, on and off the field. He had a great sense of humor, love of life and was very outspoken. We had some good times! I have alot of respect for Matt as we assisted each in getting through the "rough" two-a-days as "scared freshman". Several times we confided and helped each other through adversity. He's a great guy. My heart, blessings, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you, the girls and the family. Best regards, and God Bless. Kevin Beverly.

Rodney Nubin

May 6, 2010

Matt was a great teammate and person. He will be missed. May god bless your family in this difficult time. Rodney T. Nubin - EMU Football ( 93 - 97)

May 6, 2010

Dear Family, I didn't know Matt personally but I did know his wife and in-laws. In order to be part of that family he had to be a man of high integrity. His glowing Spirit lead his family and students and teammates. Our thoughts of Love and Compassion go out to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Brett Petersmark
President of the E-Gridiron Group
Eastern Michigan Football

May 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jan & Bruce, and the family as you go through these difficult days. May God hold you close with his love and grace, and give you comfort and healing in the days to come. Leighton and Lois Fritz, Laurel Estates, NFM, FL

Tina (Webber) Taylor

May 5, 2010

It is difficult to say the right words to comfort a family in the time of such sorrow, but i am glad that I did get the chance to get to know Matt ,even if it was only through school. He was an awesome person who will be greatly missed .All of my sympathy to the entire Gillette family, my prayers are with you all.

Brent Sperry

May 5, 2010

My deepest sympathy to all of you! May the many prayers and the strength of family and friends bring peace and comfort through this difficult time. God Bless all of you!

pam valone

May 5, 2010

To the entire Gillette family
Your family holds a special place in my life. I am at a loss for words.
Matt would always make me feel great when I would run into him, always, respectfully insisting on calling me Mrs. Valone. What a special man.
My thoughts are with you.
Pam, Denny and Taylor Valone

May 5, 2010

To the Gillette family. My prayers are with you today. God loves you and is with you today and always.
Janice Skelly

Kimberly Cacek- Watt

May 5, 2010

To Matt's family and friends,
You have my deepest sympathy. It's always hard to loss a loved one, but god will see you though this tough time. I was classmates with Matt.

William & Heidi Etzel

May 4, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to the Gillette family.

May 4, 2010

Dear Kelly and Family,
We are full of sorrow for you and your children. May you find strength in each passing day to cope with your tremendous loss. You can do it Kelly. Jim and Lynn C.

Peggy Stanford (Nuhfer)

May 4, 2010

Matt was such a nice guy. I'm so sorry to his family and friends. I know he will truly be missed. I will keep him and all of you in my prayers.

Audrey Chamberlain

May 4, 2010

Abby,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Eric & Lisa Albright

May 4, 2010

Kelley, Meghan and Elizabeth, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. May you find the peace of our risen lord to be of comfort.

Darcy Paradise

May 4, 2010

The Gillette Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a great guy. You could really tell he cared about the players he coached. He had a way of getting the best out of each one. He will truely be missed. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you all in this time of need.

The Paradise Family

May 4, 2010

TO THE GILLETTE FAMILY

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU ALL. PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

THE CIPALLA FAMILY

Joy Kempf

May 4, 2010

Debbie and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Matt. It just doesn't seem fair. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Joy Kempf

Robin(Stakes) Goodrow

May 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of saddness....Matt was a great person and will be deeply missed.(Class of 90)

May 4, 2010

Debbie:
Words fail at a time like this. Our deepest condolences to you and Matthew's family. Know that you are all in our prayers. The Lord will sustain you through this.
Joanne Marchant-Heim & John Martin

Issy Cooper

May 4, 2010

To the Gillette Family,

My deepest sympathies to the family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer Bright Tinker

May 4, 2010

I was so sad to hear about Matt. We went to high school together. Your family is in our prayers.

Shannon Brooks

May 4, 2010

So sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Shannon (Gourley) Brooks

Michelle Meako

May 4, 2010

To the Gillette Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Matt was an extremely kind person with many wonderful qualities. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he has touched.

Veronica Chivari

May 4, 2010

Lord,
Be with Kelly and her girls....wrap your love and comfort around them. Give them strength to endure this time in their lives. Refresh their love for you so they may find rest in your arms. Let the love of family and friends surround them like a warm blanket. Thank you for giving them Matt as a husband and father....For truly they will treasure him in their hearts forever. All of this I ask in your name, amen

Lynn Sennett

May 4, 2010

May the love of family and friends bring you comfort and peace. Praying for the entire Gillette family.

Jerry & Debbie Schwenk

May 4, 2010

Sorry for your loss.

Diva Pantelaras

May 4, 2010

Deepest sympathies to the family and friends. He was a wonderful and knowledgable classmate. We will all miss him. He would have been the kind of teacher we all remember in fondness.

Crystal (Fouch) Wood

May 4, 2010

I was so shocked when I heard the news, such a terrible loss. I went to high school with Matt (Class of 1990), he was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet.

May God bless and comfort you during this sad and difficult time.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Teri Weidler-Rohrer

May 4, 2010

So very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this tragic time.

May 4, 2010

to the gillette family - the lord is always with you

Beatrice & LeRoy Gevin

May 3, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

May 3, 2010

DEBBIE AND FAMILY-SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MATT'S PASSING. HE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES AND WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT MAN,HUSBAND AND FATHER. WORDS JUST CANNOT EXPRESS THE PAIN I FEEL FOR YOUR LOSS. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I DONT KNOW HOW MUCH PAIN ONE FAMILY IS EXPECTED TO BEAR. PLEASE KNOW MY HEART IS ACHING FOR YOU AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. TINA (KATEGIANES)PINCKNEY

May 3, 2010

Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ed,Avis,Karleen Burns

Katie Potter Robison

May 3, 2010

Kelly and Family,

No words can begin to express how sorry we are for your loss. May your wonderful memories of the times you shared help you through your grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Katie, Trent, and Chloe Robison

Allison Row

May 3, 2010

You are all constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry. Many hugs and kisses girls! We love you! Allison, Greg, Sutton, Baby Row, & Clayton

Larry & Beth Thompson

May 3, 2010

Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love to All and HUGS from Larry & Beth

May 3, 2010

Kelly and family -
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you! Please know that you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Jim, Heather, Gabrielle, Annalise and Ian Shupe

May 3, 2010

Our prayers are with the entire Gillete Family.

Kirk and Katie (Case) Mihalak

Danine Bernini-Davis

May 3, 2010

Gillette Family:

Deepest sympathies to all of you! I remember Matt with fond memories while in high school. May your memories and the love of each other get you through these hard times.

Melanie Gray

May 3, 2010

So sorry to hear the news of this tragedy. You have my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace in your time of need.

scott mead

May 3, 2010

To the Gillette Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. May the Lord bless us and guide us into Heaven with open arms and forgiveness. The Mead Family

Sheila (Huston)Williams

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan, Libby & Matt's family,

So sorry for your loss. Matt graduated with me at Northwestern (Class of 1990). He was a nice guy and will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Kelly Dimon-McGee

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Debbie, Brian, Abby, and the rest of the Gillette family please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words that will take away the pain however take comfort in knowing that you have a huge extended family that knew and loved Matt in so many different ways.

I went to school with Matt (a year behind him but it was Albion, we all went to school together) and when we were all younger we used to play sports in someone's back yard or at the park all the time. So many memories that are shared with so many people.

Rest in peace Matt, we will miss you however you will never be forgotten.

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan, Libby and family... We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. When someone leaves us so suddenly we can only hope that our loving memories will fill our hearts to replace the sadness and grief that is felt now. We will keep you in our prayers. Our deepest sympathies,
Robin Seneta and family

Rick Essig

May 3, 2010

To the Gillette Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rick and Noelle Essig and boys

Terry, Sandy, Alexis, & Dylan Throop

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan, and Libby,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May all of your memories that you have shared bring you and your family comfort.

George & Linda Mangold

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan, Libby & Matt's family, We are so sorry for your loss; words can't begin to express our shock & sadness. Our hearts are heavy and we will be keeping you in our prayers for the months to come. We love you lots and pray God will wrap His comforting arms around you. Uncle George, Aunt Lin and family

Colleen Hersperger

May 3, 2010

Our deapest sympathies go out to the Gillette & Boro Football Families. As football parents, we appreciate all the time & dedication coaches give to our children. My son was lucky enough to play for Coach this past year & he will be greatly missed.

Rick & Stephanie Thayer

May 3, 2010

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathy to the entire family.

Jimmy Hodges

May 3, 2010

Kelly, you don't know me but i went to school and played sports with Matt...my prayers go out to you and your family...God Bless You and the entire Gillette Family

Suzie Dimon-Smith

May 3, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the whole Gillette family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Pat Rogers

May 3, 2010

The Gillette Family,

My heart is very heavy for your entire family. There are just no words, but please accept my condolences.

Marcy Treder

May 3, 2010

To the Gillette Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot imagine the emotions you must be feeling right now. Kelly, many prayers and thoughts are with you. I wish I could be there with you. Whatever you need, I am here for you.

May 3, 2010

Kelly,
Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. We were also touched by a loved one taken much too soon. You are not alone.

~ Joe, Sarah and Andy Zalik

Bill Miles

May 3, 2010

So sorry for your loss. Matt and I went to high school together.

May 3, 2010

Kelley,

I don't know what to say..My heart is filled with sorrow and pain and I feel the same for all of you. I have known Matt almost my entire life..I know that you got to spend 13 precious fun filled years with a man that we all knew as BUBBA...I loved him like my own brother...Matt had a huge heart that would make a room laugh..He was a warrior who was faithful to his family and friends. God Bless you, Matt. I know you are there with Dad.

May God Bless the entire Gillette family. Bill Cole

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan and Libby,
Our family has been keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We know that God will be with you and give you strength and comfort through this time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help now or in the future.
Your Neighbors,
Jason, Kim, Hannah and Dominic Shrader

Shelly Kirby

May 3, 2010

Kelly and entire Gillette Family,
Our sincerest and deepest sympathies. May your faith and happy memories embrace you during this most difficult time. We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Our prayers are with you.
The Kirby Family - Dean, Shelly, Kaitlyn and Matthew

Robin Robinson

May 3, 2010

Kelly, Meghan and Libby,

I wish I could give you all a big hug right now. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your Edinboro Elementary family will be there for you in the coming days.

William Hilliard

May 3, 2010

Dear Debbie & Family

So sorry to hear the news about Matt. May God touch you with his loving compassion. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.

John & Lynn Lenhart

May 3, 2010

We are so very sorry to hear about your tragic loss of Matt. What a wonderful person he was. Please accept our thoughts, prayers and love to all of your family in this time of grief. May the Good Lord Bless and watch over all of you.

May 3, 2010

Our hearts ache for you... our prayers go up for you... May God wrap His arms around you and yours and give you strength and peace during this tragic time.
Friends and neighbors of Bruce & Jan Zylstra
Bob & Mary Livensparger

Kellie (Card) Bowen

May 3, 2010

Sometimes there just are no words to help ease the pain at a time like this. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort and peace. The entire Gillette family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Hutton

May 3, 2010

To the Gillette Family,
Please know that you have our deepest sympathy. Our hearts are filled with sadness for your loss. We love you all and you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers.
With love~
Mark, Kim, Allie & Olivia

Sandy Webber

May 3, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Emily McCullor

May 3, 2010

Debbie and Family,

I am so so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy "Bainbridge" Schultz

May 3, 2010

Sincere Sympathy!

Shannon Fouch Guilford

May 3, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Roger and Kristine Copeland and family

May 3, 2010

Our deepest sympathies.

Renee' Pistory

May 3, 2010

Kelly,

I don't know if you remember me, you were Nate's teacher the year after his dad passed away and we spoke numerous times. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers (as well as those of Nate and Nic) are with you and your daughters at this most difficult, excruciatingly painful time.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you need someone to talk with.

May 3, 2010

Kelly ~ My family and I have been thinking about you and your daughters, as well as your entire family, during this time. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We cannot imagine what you are going through but please know that we are praying for you and hoping to send you strength during this time. May God be with you. Love, Adam and Melanie Lee, Cory and Tristen Lee, Brittany, Caitie and Mallory Smail.

Christine Yost

May 3, 2010

So sorry to hear of your loss, our thought and prayers are with your family.
God bless, Christine (Everhart) Yost

Sue Fies

May 3, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

JENNIFER CHAMBERLAIN

May 3, 2010

IM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS MATT WILL BE SADELY MISSED MAY YOUR MEMORIES BRING YOU COMFORT JENNIFER &JR SERRANO

Kevin Saxton

May 3, 2010

I am so sorry to hear this news. I haven't seen Matt since high school, but he was always such a great guy with a big heart and a great sense of humor. May God be with you and provide you with comfort in your grief.

Art & Peggy Van Slyke

May 3, 2010

Debbie,
We were very sorry to hear about Matt.
You have our deepest sympathy

William C. Dennes

May 3, 2010

To the Gillette Family:

Sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Matt's mom and dad.

May 3, 2010

To the Entire Gillette Family,

My deepest sympathies at the loss of your son, brother, father, husband,and so much more! I cannot imagine the unbearable pain you must be facing. May God grant you peace as you go through this most challenging of times. If there is some consolation here, he is now with his Father. May God Bless you today, and always!

Beth

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