Mathew John Harrison June 24, 1986 – September 7, 2026
Mathew John Harrison passed away on Monday, September 7th, 2026, doing one of his favorite things, paddleboarding in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Mathew’s life mission was to make every person he met feel like they mattered, from strangers passing on the street to his deepest lifelong friends, of which he had many. He was his true authentic self, unapologetically, which created a magnetic pull that will leave many lives touched and hearts broken.
Mathew was born in Wayland, MA spending his summers on Cape Cod. The Cape was his happy place, a place no matter where he lived, he always referred to as his home. He simply loved the ocean and watching sunsets over Buzzards Bay. He was an excellent sailor and skier, an average golfer, and more recently spent one of his favorite summers learning to be a tuna man. He had a big booming voice and a wild sense of humor, ensuring there was fun and laughter all around him.
Mathew moved to California for college, earning an Electrical Engineering degree from Santa Clara University, and started his sales career in Silicon Valley. That was also where he met his beautiful wife, Carrie. The two of them have lived in several places since, first moving back to Boston before settling in the Tampa Bay area. They welcomed their beloved dog Laszlo to their family first ten years ago and a son, Hayden Thomas last year. Mathew loved being a dad.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie Ripberger Harrison, and their son, Hayden Thomas, his parents, Richard and Johanna Harrison, his grandmother, Patricia Harrison, his two brothers, Zachary Ryan Harrison and Samuel Richard Harrison, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws as well as friends and neighbors across the last 40 years.
His playfulness, humor and love of his friends and family made the world a better and happier place. He will be very much missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to one of Mathew’s favorite causes, Tunnel to Towers. Mathew had tremendous respect and appreciation for all who served. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
10 Comments
Carlos d’Abreu
Much love my friend, you and your loud antics will forever be missed. I will always cherish having had you in my life. Rest In Peace.
Bob De Mars
I am so sorry for your loss
Charlotte
So very very sorry for your loss…will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️AC
Diane Halligan Fay
I am so sorry to hear, lifting all of you in prayer A blessing to spend some time with Matthew years ago when he came to collect his mother at my mother’s house. He was charismatic – funny ! My heart is heavy for all the Harrisons- I know God is close to the brokenhearted. Praying for all of you.
Barbara Clark
I have a vivid memory of a time I visited your family back in the 90s and Matthew greeting me with enthusiasm and complimenting me in a way that was far beyond his years! His warmth, energy, and genuine interest in connecting with people shone through at an early age. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Stacy DaCruz
I went to school with Matt at Wilbraham and Monson Academy and loved being friends with him! He was always making me laugh and was always in a good mood. He was smart too! Matt was really the whole package and it breaks my heart to hear this news. He was a big part of our community back in the early 2000s. This is a big loss for his Titan family as well. I’m praying for you all <3.
Doug Hunt
Such devastating news. God Bless your entire family, Richard.
Yosef Tahbazof
Matt was a great and close friend. He was full of energy, so fun to be around, always caring, and the kind of guy who would be there for you in the toughest times. Some of my best memories are with him and I’ll always remember him.
To Carrie, Hayden and the whole Harrison family, I love and miss you all. I hope Matt is resting in peace. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. My thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏🏼
Ron and Laura
The world lost an amazing young man gone much too soon. Sending our love and sincere condolences.
Rita Resha
No message of sympathy can ease the pain Richard and Johanna are feeling but Matthew will live on in so many loving memories. May his memory be eternal.