Matthew Ross Vaccari, age 41, passed away peacefully in his home in London, Ontario with his beloved wife, Heather, by his side on May 8, 2024.  Matthew was a true “gift from God” who brought joy and light to everyone he met.  He loved life and always had a smile on his face, even through his health challenges over the past 18 months.   Matthew was born in Mississauga on July 30, 1982 and grew up in a loving home as the baby of the family.  He excelled in school and sports, including hockey and soccer.  He graduated from Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, and later obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto.   After marrying the love of his life he moved to London, Ontario, to start his own family and his career with Canada Life.

Matthew was a natural born comedian and entertainer. He knew how to work a room and was always the first person to step onto a dance floor. He loved to make others around him laugh and smile. He enjoyed travelling and was a passionate and creative home cook.

Matthew loved his family more than anything and always let them know.   He is survived by his wife, Heather MacKenzie, two beautiful sons, Evan and Rhys, parents Ross and Silvana, older sister Stephanie (Rick Headrick), older brother Alexander (Meredith), nieces and nephews Morgan, Mason, Brooke and Spencer, and mother-in-law Nancy, who will always have a special place for him in their hearts. 

Though we may never fully understand why he was called home so soon, we can take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, surrounded by love for all eternity. Rest in peace, dear Matthew. Your memory will forever be cherished, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Visitation on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, London. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 511 Cheapside St. at Maitland, on Tuesday, May 14 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Matthew’s memory to the Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association in support of the El Sistema Aeolian Program or Colorectal Cancer Canada.

Also, a GoFundMe page has been started in support of Matthew’s children: https://gofund.me/3e5c71f7