Mr. Matthew Joseph "Matt" Collandra

ROME, NY – Matthew Joseph “Matt” Collandra, age 25, was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Born in New Hartford on June 9, 2000, Matt was the beloved son of Melanie A. (Paniccia) Collandra of Deerfield, and James B. Collandra of Albany. He was raised in Deerfield and graduated with the Class of 2018 from Whitesboro High School. Following his graduation, he pursued a career in commercial driving—first earning his Class B CDL and later advancing to his Class A license from Sage Truck Driving School in Rome. Matt was employed at the Turning Stone Resort Casino, as a warehouse delivery driver, a job he enjoyed and looked forward to seeing his fellow co-workers each day. More recently, he worked as a delivery driver for PepsiCo in Frankfort. Known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and integrity, Matt was often described as an “old soul”—wise beyond his years and deeply grounded in principle. Matt possessed a generous heart, unwavering loyalty, and respectful nature. He was sincere, dependable, and kind—always someone you could count on. With a quick wit and a great sense of humor, he loved to laugh and bring joy to those around him. He was a shining light and too beautiful of a person for this heartless world. A proud Eagle Scout, Matt’s achievement was a testament to his perseverance and commitment—qualities that shaped every part of his life. He was a passionate sports fan, cheering faithfully for the New York Mets and the Utica Comets. A gifted handyman, a true jack of all trades, he was mechanically inclined and had a knack for fixing things — always wanting to know how things were made and how they worked. His sharp mind and natural curiosity made it clear he was someone special. Matt is survived by his devoted mother, Melanie A. (Paniccia) Collandra and her partner, Daniel Mahaffy; father, James “Jim” Collandra; and his sister, Rena P. Collandra. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory his aunts and uncles, Michael A. Paniccia and Thien Hong, Mark A. Paniccia and Lori Francis, Michael D. Collandra and his partner Victoria Kremer, and Susan J. Collandra; great-aunts and great-uncles; cousins, neighbors, and many special friends. Matt was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Alfred J. “Red” Jr. and Irene A. “Renee” (Roback) Paniccia; and his paternal grandparents, Joseph J. “Joe” and Margaret “Margie” (Vaillancourt) Collandra. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Matthew’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, which will commence on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Utica at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Matthew Joseph "Matt" Collandra

June 9, 2000 - August 24, 2025