Matthew Michael Whelpley

It is with deep sadness that we pass along the news that our dear brother, Matthew, departed this mortal plane at the age of 68 after a brief and sudden illness in Phoenix, Arizona. A wise and gentle soul, Matthew (Matt) was born in Encino, California and attended Canoga High School and Reseda High School before joining the U.S. Navy in 1976. After Basic Training in San Diego, he was sent to Port Hueneme, CA where he served on the USS Norton Sound. Later, he was assigned to a submarine tender in Holly Loch Island, Scotland where he served on patrols in the North Sea. After leaving active duty, he continued serving in the Naval Reserve for several more years. Matthew was gifted with an agile memory which served him well in the retail automotive sector where he first found employment as a manager for U-Save Auto Parts before opening his own shop. Later, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and worked as a sales and warehouse manager for Apparel Pro, which provided specialized clothing for medical and hospital workers. Aside from his strong work ethic, Matthew inherited an Irish-rooted independence from his beloved mother and a deep spiritual strength from his father, often attending St. Agnes Catholic Church in Phoenix. His kindness and generosity toward all was genuine, without limits. As well, Matt was a fervent sports fan, an avid follower of Notre Dame football and Major League baseball who enjoyed keeping stats on his Arizona Diamondbacks. He is survived by his six siblings—sisters Mary, Elizabeth, Jean, sister-in-law, Harriet - and brothers John, Chris, Thomas and brother-in-law, Brad - as well as his nieces Nili, Mia, Candice, Catharine, Lucy, Julianne, and Ashley - and nephews Ami, Sean, Steven, Donovan and Topher. Also, his great-nieces Kate and Wren, and Great-Nephew, Flynn. Matthew Michael Whelpley remains the measure of our hearts. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him. Rest in peace, Dear Brother.