Matthew J. Slade "Matty J."

Matthew James Slade “Matty J”, age 28, passed through heaven’s gates after a work related accident on Monday, September 20, 2021.

“Matty J.” was born in Ithaca on August 16, 1993, the son of Douglas Slade and Sheri Lea Godley-Whitley.  He was a 2011 graduate of Newfield High School and continued work with Alan Whitley’s General Home Maintenance, until he began working as an arborist for Cascadilla Tree Care from 2014 - 2020.   Although he was afraid of heights he quickly learned that the view from the top high in the air was breathtaking and often took photos.  He found a passion for the adventure, and he followed his dream of becoming an arborist.  Matthew loved what he did and took great pride in his work. Matthew had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day and had an even greater personality. You could always find Matthew spending time with family and numerous friends.  Matt’s most treasured moment came on September 1st, 2021, when he became a first-time father.  Tucker was Matt’s pride and joy.  He was a loving and devoted father, who is now watching and protecting his son from above.  Matt would do anything for anyone at any time.  He was an avid skateboarder, snowboarder and most recently took up golfing with his friends and family. 

He is survived by his partner, Taylor Keturi and his newborn son, Tucker Douglas Slade, whom he loved very much; his mother, Sheri Lea Godley-Whitley of Spencer; father, Douglas (Jennifer) Slade of Newark Valley; brother, Jon (Cortney) Leonard of Spencer and their sons, Odin and Lucas; sister, Cherol Whitley of Spencer; paternal grandparents, David Slade of South Carolina and Lillian Slade of Spencer; aunts and uncles: Robert Butcher and Deborah (James) Fedenko, Deborah Briggs, Pamela (Jim) Wellin and their families; Jen Butcher and family; Tucker’s Godfather, Travis Wylie; Tucker’s Godmother, Julianna Ferwin; Tucker’s grandparents, Fred (Heather) Maki of VanEtten and Tucker’s uncle, Shaun (Erica) Keturi of Odessa, and all his ” Boys ” along with many other friends, and extended family.  Matty J was predeceased by maternal grandparents Ed and Diane (SugarMa) Godley.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Hollybrook Country Club, 29 Fisher Settlement Road in Spencer, immediately followed by a Celebration of Matthew’s life until 7:00pm. The Matt Slade Memorial Poker Run will be held on October 3rd, details will be available at the country club on Saturday. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a monetary donation to Tucker’s future, by bringing it to the country club or the poker run.  Donations may also be made by mail to: Shaun Keturi in care of Tucker at 2991 Newtown Road, Odessa, NY  14869.  A memorial fund has been established in Tucker’s name.

“Love you son”

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