Matthew Moore, a counselor in admissions on the Grant Campus, passed away unexpectedly on April 5. His family has established a GoFundMe to support Matt's young wife. (photo courtesy of Doralyn Moore)

Editor's note: Matthew Moore started at SCCC as a college aide from 2007 to 2012, then was hired as a counselor in the Grant Campus admissions office. Having learned that Matt passed away unexpectedly on April 5, colleagues have shared the following memories of their beloved colleague.

Jared Dowd – Financial Aid Counselor, Grant

Matthew was a consummate professional and example of what anyone would want from a colleague and friend. He was a friend, educator, advocate, mentor and a man of God.

Matthew and I met at Stony Brook University as students in the social welfare program, and fate brought us back together at SCCC. We connected on many levels, be it our passion for family, friends or service to students.  Although from different perspectives, we both had experienced firsthand the transformative power of education and what that means for the students we served. Matt had a keen ability to plan. He saw the process and helped me in many ways.

You could feel his heart and drive when he spoke about students and his experiences growing up. I loved working with him because it didn’t feel like work at all. We had only just begun. We spoke often about our goals and dreams. When we would meet, we would discuss our weekends: I would tell him about my trip to Costco and playing with my daughter. And when I would ask him, he would tell me about how he and his wife went to France or did a quick weekend to California. He never ceased to amaze me, especially his zest for life. We often said that steel sharpens steel, and I was looking forward to continuing to grow with him.

Matthew, I look forward to upholding your legacy and following through for our students. Your potential was limitless and what you gave to the world was endless. You will be missed!

Andrea Bhella – Admissions Counselor, Grant

Even though Matthew worked with us at the Grant Campus admissions office for only two and half years, he was an immediate presence. From day one, he walked in with THAT SMILE and his inimitable style and his full attention to whatever job was at hand. He lived his entire life, professionally and personally, with the greatest of intentions. He knew his life was a gift and he wanted to live it to the fullest and share it with those he could lift up.

He travelled extensively, volunteered, led by example, ran a literacy program, got married to his beautiful wife Lerice, took his siblings snowboarding and even went skydiving. The truest definition of a gentleman and a scholar; he impressed everyone with his knowledge, sincerity and wit. I am not sure how he did it, but he made you feel as if you always had his full attention. He was always present.

Knowing just how many students, colleagues, friends, and family he touched allows us to know his memory will be an inspiration to many. We will use it to inform how we treat others, how we choose to be lifelong learners and not become complacent, and how we will go that extra step to raise someone up to their full potential. Matthew, your light will be a ray of hope and inspire numbers you cannot fathom. You will be greatly missed.

Gerome Bell – Academic Counselor, Eastern  

I met Matt in 2011, as we were in the same cohort of a graduate program. In addition to being classmates, we were colleagues working together in various departments at Stony Brook. We graduated from the program and continued to work on a variety of projects at the university, where Matt excelled in a variety of positions, including an opportunity within the Office of the University President. Matt left for SCCC, and I was right behind him five months later. I feel like I grew up with Matt in a professional sense.

What I will always admire most about Matt was his level of ambition. Matt’s commitment to helping underserved communities went beyond working hours. We would discuss how fortunate we felt to be able to give back to our communities and would encourage each other in our individual goals for the future.

I am saddened beyond words that he is no longer here with us and he will be forever missed by those who were fortunate to have known him.

Theresa Saladino – Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Grant

I had the privilege of working with Matthew Moore who was a kind, respectful, intelligent, motivated and caring person. He had such an approachable personality and a way of making students, faculty and staff feel comfortable and important. He was a part of the admissions team from the first day he arrived in our office almost three years ago. 

Matt was always encouraging, warm and caring in all his interactions with colleagues and students. He quickly became an integral part of our team and, most importantly,  a friend. He had an infectious smile and was always willing and happy to help with anything. Matthew was passionate about helping students, especially students who were less fortunate or had any kind of struggles.

His work did not stop in our office; he was involved with so much more in the community. He wanted to encourage others to reach their potential. He was an advocate for the underrepresented populations. Matt had a deep faith and a zest for life, education, travel and adventure. Along his journey, he always made sure to encourage others to do the same. He was a man of action and not just words. Matt had a genuine passion to encourage people to be the best that they can be. He treated others with respect and had a gift of motivating others to reach their goals. His accomplishments were many, but more important, his influence on so many will remain forever.

Grace Kaigh – Professional Assistant in Admissions, Grant

Matthew Moore was a kind, generous and humble colleague who I learned much from. Matthew worked tirelessly for students and dedicated time outside of work to continue helping students within the community. We shared a love for travelling and family and exchanged our stories, which I will always cherish. 

We will miss you, Matt Moore!

Ben Laudicina – Academic Counselor, Ammerman

Very few people come into our lives who have the ability to leave an indelible impression on us after a single encounter. Matthew Moore fit that bill for me the moment I reconnected with him. 

Approximately 15 years ago I encountered Matthew at SCCC as a work-study student, but he certainly didn’t fit the mold of a typical student worker. Always dressed to the nines and eager to make a difference, his commitment from a budding young man to the professional he became later in life never wavered.His philanthropic efforts, passion and dedication to doing what’s right are just some of the legacies that he leaves behind. 

I am saddened by our loss—an untimely loss that encompasses a young man with boundless potential and a future brighter than we could ever possibly know.  

But we should remember Matthew not for what we have lost, but for who he was and what he had achieved at such a young age. Matthew is one of those of whom it can truly be said that he made the world a better place, both for those of us who were lucky enough to know him and for many thousands who never met him but have benefited from his work.

Goodbye, Matthew, and may you eternally rest in peace.