Mr. Matthew R. "Matt" Wilkinson

UTICA - Matthew R. “Matt” Wilkinson was 36 years of age. Due to the devastating effects of clinical depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, Matt put an end to his pain, sadness, and hopelessness when he ended his life on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Born in Utica on January 30, 1984, Matthew was the son of Laurice (Poczatek) Wilkinson and the late Roger F. Wilkinson who passed at the age of 46, prior to his son’s birth. Matt attended Donovan Jr. High School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 2002. He was a handsome man, memorable for his unique creativity reflected in his boldly-colored hair during his youth. Most recently, he developed a passion for various facial hair stylings...and was especially proud of his “infamous” handlebar mustache, while maintaining his unparalleled sense of humor. Matt worked at WKTV and WUTR as a videographer and editor of on-the-spot field interviews, and he also recorded life events and video productions for the Amazing Gracie Gift Foundation. Their mission is to provide support to families of children with cancer or a terminal illness, and working with them was a responsibility he truly embraced. Matt saw life through a softer, diffused lens in his work and it was amazing what a sensitive and caring young man he was. His mother granted him permission to live life the way he saw it; he “moved to the beat of his own drum” and his creativity and excellence were unmatched. Although he struggled for years, and years, there was always a smile on his face, but his eyes told his true story. He did the best in life that he could. He may not have reached all of his goals, but he respected his friends for obtaining their accomplishments. Matt was a musician and self-taught guitarist. He was influenced by several bands and their lead singers including: melodic rock The Offspring lead singer Dexter Holland and grunge hard rock Everclear’s lead singer Art Alexakis. Matt personally met Art at Saranac Thursday and had the chance to tell his musical idol how much he personally admired him for his artistic talent. Several Pop-alternative bands inspired Matt to write his own song lyrics including Third Eye Blind, whose lead singer Stephan Jenkins was the most influential. His current favorite was the hard rock band Foo Fighters and lead singer/guitarist Dave Grohl. “The Foo” was his “band of bands.” Matt was fortunate enough to see them in concert several times. He identified with each of these groups because they told “his” story. Matt wrote his own lyrics which were a culmination of his feelings, and he journaled his work because he, too, played in several area bands. Though his creativity was natural and vast, he worked hard to perfect his delivery. He was very humble, never realizing the extent of his earthly talents. He had an additional skill — performing magic and slight-of-hand; his aptitude was amazing to others! Local magician, Leon Etienne (Matthew’s friend) was inspired by Matt at a young age. When “Magic Matt” (Matt’s nickname) lived in Ithaca, he performed his magic in local taverns, and when he appeared on the stage with his guitar, his stage name was “Studio Sanchez”. His talents as a musician and a magician were routinely acknowledged and acclaimed! Matt’s skills earned him an opportunity to work with award winning actor Adrien Brody who was filming the movie “Clean” in Utica in 2018. Matt was set coordinator and boom operator and being part of this production with this actor/director made him so proud. One of Matt’s preferred pastimes was watching the American version of “The Office” and identifying with the character Dwight Schrute. He saw in this person a parallel with his own personality, in mundane facts, multiple eccentricities, and unusual characteristics. Matt also enjoyed the movies Back to the Future as well as its sequels: 2 and 3; and the Die Hard series of movies 1-5. He was always able to find some common alliance with the movies’ energy-filled adventure themes. Matt’s favorite food was pizza and he loved eating out. This past week it was Monday night at Cavallo’s, all-you-can-eat spaghetti; Wednesday, A Taste of Laos on Bank Place; Friday, Voss’ for fish sandwiches, …always accompanied by his mom or siblings. Matt never understood how grand his life really was. A man of few words, he was always understated by his compassionate heart. He was focused, but he never really saw the admiration of so many people. If he could have only understood how much he was loved. Matt grew up in an extremely accepting household, and his support system was in place. Mistakes were made, but if there were any better ways to handle situations, they may have changed some things. His family always wanted to be there for Matt, …always! Matt is survived by his Mom, Laurice G. Wilkinson; sister, Tracy R. Wilkinson; brother, Khiry J. Wilkinson; and his aunts and uncle, Holly McGovern, and Neil (Grace) Wilkinson. He also leaves numerous cousins including Chad, and Kevin Parker; Patrick (Maribeth) Wilkinson, David (Terry) Wilkinson, Michael (Eileen) Wilkinson, Richard (Barbara) Wilkinson, and their families; best childhood friend Shawn O’Toole and his wife Teresa, and along with Shawn comes his sisters in law and brothers in law, Katrina (Gary) Kozlowski, Regina (Richard) Baker and their Mother, Rose O’Toole. Each of the O’Toole family members has a special place in each of the Wilkinson’s lives. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, John and Frances Poczatek; paternal grandmother, Peggy Wilkinson; and uncles, Howard “Howie” McGovern, and Gary Wilkinson. Laurice and her children have known the blessing and friendship of Rose O’Toole, who has been a remarkable person, especially in their time of need. Rose has been a steadfast, loyal and most supportive friend since 1986. Laurice could not have gotten this far without her help and guidance. The Wilkinson’s would also like to thank the Mental Health doctors and counselors who were of paramount importance, with special note of the gentleness of Bonnie Melnick, NPP. Anyone who has lived with a family member afflicted by mental illness would understand the journey. Memorial contributions in Matt’s memory can be made to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Their donation link can be found online at https://afsp.donordrive.com/ or by mail to 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-6pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to the current restrictions, we will be operating at a limited occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Wilkinson family. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Matt's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in St. Ann's Cemetery, Hinckley, at the convenience of the family. Please take a moment to connect with Matt’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. "The most beautiful things in life are not things. They’re people and places and memories and pictures. They’re feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.“ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J5PYzkzDQI “Walk” by Foo Fighters

Mr. Matthew R. "Matt" Wilkinson

January 30, 1984 - September 19, 2020