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Matthew Darrel Napora
06/16/1954 — 02/24/2003
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland, Washington
Matthew Darrel Napora
Matthew Darrel Napora, 48, passed away Monday, February 24, 2003, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. His death was the result of a sudden, unexplained onset of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Matt was born in Richland, Washington, on June 16, 1954. He spent his childhood in Richland; graduated from Richland Columbia High School; attended and graduated from Washington State University in Pullman.
He owned his own successful venture capital firm for several years, then returned to Richland and joined the staff of the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee CAC as their finance officer. He later became the Benton County Chief Deputy Treasurer. His current work was as Chief Financial Officer of Ochoa, Inc.
Matthew was a highly intelligent man, warm and vibrant, who loved his daughter, Leslie; his wife, Karen; his dad, Matt, and all his family and friends. Matt lived life to the fullest; enjoying the outdoors, camping, skiing, kayaking, remodeling his homes and cabin, traveling, playing pinochle, family gatherings and good wine.
Matt's proudest life moments were the birth of his daughter, Leslie; his joy in her accomplishments and the later addition of daughters Mindy and Tammy who brought precious grandchildren into his family circle. Matt was proud to serve several years on the CAC Board as their treasurer. He also took great pride in his part in the progress and financial growth he helped the Ochoa firm achieve.
The love, enthusiasm and fun Matt brought to our lives will be sorely missed by all: his wife, Karen; daughters Leslie, Mindy and Tammy; grandchildren Tim, Alex, Nathan, and Katie; father, Matthew H. Napora; sisters and brothers Shari Bennett, Darlene Shuley, Steve Schneider and Tom Roller, and their families; and the friends and co-workers who shared Matt's life.
A memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. Einan's Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Division of Pulmonary Interstitial Lung Disease Research, UW Medical Center, c/o Thea Spaulding, P.O. Box 356522, Seattle, WA 98195.
I was saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. We carpooled for about a year when he worked for Benton County. I have many fond memories of our conversations each day on the way to work. I especially remember his interest in Koi fish. My sympathies go out to all your family.
As we are all, I am still in shock and more so in sympathy for all his family – which Matt loved so very much. As a co-worker and friend I will always remember and cherish the many special moments the two of us shared. I especially remember the absolute joy that overcame Matt whenver we spoke of his Dad, the love of his life Karen and his daughters.
So I merely say, I’m so very very sorry but know that his footprint is eternal, his memory endearing, and God only takes those when their
mission is complete.
Love and Peace to you all.
Bob
Some of my fondest memories of growing up in Richland were those associated with the Napora family. I am Darlene’s age, so we always had Matt trailing behind us and teasing us incessantly.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I know you all miss him terribly.
Julie Smyth Moss
To Matts family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Matt in 7th grade and were friends from day one.
God just got a good man.
So long Matt, till we meet again my friend.
Chappy
I would like to express my condolences to the Napora family.
Karen, My prayers are with you. Stay strong. Pete
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
As a classmate of Darlene’s, I want to share my condolences with Matt’s family. I will remember you and Matt in my prayers.
Dear Family –
I just wanted you to know that I had FEW friends during my Senior year at Col High. Matt ended up being one of the nicest guys I went to school with. I was extremely shy and had few friends, but when I had classes with him, he always made me feel more HUMAN simply by talking to me and being the pleasant human being he was. Please accept my sincere condolences in his passing.
Llorene
I was very sorry to read of Matt’s death. I remember his charming smile. My thoughts go out to Steve Schneider and the rest of the Napora family.
My deepest sympathy to the Napora family. Shari, one of Matt’s sister, and I were friends in school and I always enjoyed the times I spent at her home with her family. They are special people.
To Matt’s family, I want to send my deepest sympathy. He was the dearest persons I knew in high school. If you read the sandstorm, Debbie Bennett Bayoff gives him a beautiful send off to our Lord and Jesus Christ in Heaven. Consider yourself lucky for spending the years you had with him. You are blessed with his sole and memories.
My deepest condolences to Matt’s family. Matt was my friend for many years and our time spent growing up together holds many fond memories. He’ll be missed dearly, because his life touched so many.
I was saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. We carpooled for about a year when he worked for Benton County. I have many fond memories of our conversations each day on the way to work. I especially remember his interest in Koi fish. My sympathies go out to all your family.
As we are all, I am still in shock and more so in sympathy for all his family – which Matt loved so very much. As a co-worker and friend I will always remember and cherish the many special moments the two of us shared. I especially remember the absolute joy that overcame Matt whenver we spoke of his Dad, the love of his life Karen and his daughters.
So I merely say, I’m so very very sorry but know that his footprint is eternal, his memory endearing, and God only takes those when their
mission is complete.
Love and Peace to you all.
Bob
Some of my fondest memories of growing up in Richland were those associated with the Napora family. I am Darlene’s age, so we always had Matt trailing behind us and teasing us incessantly.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I know you all miss him terribly.
Julie Smyth Moss
To Matts family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Matt in 7th grade and were friends from day one.
God just got a good man.
So long Matt, till we meet again my friend.
Chappy
I would like to express my condolences to the Napora family.
Karen, My prayers are with you. Stay strong. Pete
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
As a classmate of Darlene’s, I want to share my condolences with Matt’s family. I will remember you and Matt in my prayers.
Dear Family –
I just wanted you to know that I had FEW friends during my Senior year at Col High. Matt ended up being one of the nicest guys I went to school with. I was extremely shy and had few friends, but when I had classes with him, he always made me feel more HUMAN simply by talking to me and being the pleasant human being he was. Please accept my sincere condolences in his passing.
Llorene
I was very sorry to read of Matt’s death. I remember his charming smile. My thoughts go out to Steve Schneider and the rest of the Napora family.
My deepest sympathy to the Napora family. Shari, one of Matt’s sister, and I were friends in school and I always enjoyed the times I spent at her home with her family. They are special people.
To Matt’s family, I want to send my deepest sympathy. He was the dearest persons I knew in high school. If you read the sandstorm, Debbie Bennett Bayoff gives him a beautiful send off to our Lord and Jesus Christ in Heaven. Consider yourself lucky for spending the years you had with him. You are blessed with his sole and memories.
My deepest condolences to Matt’s family. Matt was my friend for many years and our time spent growing up together holds many fond memories. He’ll be missed dearly, because his life touched so many.
Dear Matt and Family: Don and I are so sorry for your loss. Though we hadn’t seen Matt for years, we do remember him as a lively little boy with dark hair. May you be blessed with his memory.
Matt made Logan International a fun place to work and we really enjoyed having him here. I am very sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympothies.
Claudia Dent
With deepest sympathies on your loss. Matt will be missed. I am sorry for your loss.
Kim Gaylord
Karen & Family-
All of us here at Logan International loved working with Matt..I am very sorry for your loss and am very saddened by his passing. He was a great guy and will be teribbly missed!!
Very Sorry For Your Loss–
Trish Davis & Family
I am very saddened to hear of Matt’s sudden and unexpected passing. Matt and I were co-workers in Boardman,OR.
I was impressed with Matt’s professionalism and integrity. Matt had such a great sense of humor, and was such a joy to be around. We are all blessed to have Matt a part of our lives.
To Matt’s Family,
I worked with Matt for just a few months, in fact he was responsible for hiring me into the position I held where we worked together.
As I came to know Matt,I found that he was a man of great intelligence,high standards and morals.
I was shocked to hear of his passing and would like to extend my sincere condolences to his loved ones. He was deeply admired by his co-workers and will be greatly missed.
God bless you all,
Sharon Camarillo
Matt, My heartfelt sympathies on the untimely death of your son, Daniel……….Your co-worker. Miguel Pineda
I am so sorry to hear about Matt. We worked together for many years at Benton-Franklin CAC where Matt, Bob and I had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. My sincere condolences to Matt’s family and friends.
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Matthew. Although, I did not know Matthew personally,I know he was a wonderful man because I could hear it in our past discussions about his dedication to you and your children. The love of labor put into your cabin Karen,the support and love he gave to your children/grandchildren. Your family and the people who knew him best are better people for having known him. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Deanna & Bill Scott
I’m really saddened by Matt’s passing. It was great seeing him this summer at our 30th reunion. I remember how sweet he was when we were at Christ the King together. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Sharen Manolopoulos
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Matthew Darrel Napora