We welcome friends and family to submit your fondest thoughts and memories of Matthew, or your condolences to his family, so that we might add them to a list of tributes to share with all who visit our web site. To do so, simply complete a Memorial Tribute form and submit it to us. We will post your tribute as soon as possible.

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

Matt was always this bundle of energy and you couldn't help but smile when you saw him. His short life has blessed many of us and although there will always be a huge void for his family, heaven will be an even brighter place because of him. Our thoughts are with his family, both immediate and extended who will no doubt carry on Matt's legacy and zest for life. Our prayers are with you all for comfort and peace knowing that Matt is healed at last.

Sharon and Ralph Jiorle
ralph.jiorle@verizon.net

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Matthew is now finding comfort in the arms of our Lord. May you know your loved one is now looking out for you, as you, in your love cared for him. His life on earth may seemed short, but life in Heaven is everlasting. He will remain as a light to us all in our hearts for his love, and courage he showed.

The Bartholomew Family
Dave, Beth and Rachel
Dabart938@earthlink.net

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

What an honor it has been for me to be part of Matthew's life this past year. I may have been his teacher at the hospital, but I was the one learning each day about hope, strength, courage and most recently, Molly. Matt may not have always felt up to school, but he almost always wanted me to join him for our class at 2:00 each day. His enthusiasm for just about every subject was both invigorating to me as a teacher and as a friend. Matt knew so much about history and always wanted to learn more. He was interested in so much more than other children his age, it was a very special wisdom and zest for life that he possessed. I have been touched by a wonderful and unique young man. Martha and John, thank you for sharing your son with me and Matt, thank you for the privilege of being your teacher, and student.

Love, Joan M. Conmy
conmy@email.chop/edu

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

I have so many awesome memories of Matt, he was such fun to be around, so bright, intelligent, smart, and oh so funny. He was quite a character, and everyone loved him. I think my fondest memories of Matt are going to be the times we spent together in Canada, that boy loved it up there! He had so much fun riding the four wheelers, fishing, sittin around the camp fire listening to my dad and my brother John ( Matt's dad ) telling stories, laughing, and carrying on. I only remember that boy, the one that was full of life, and spunk, the one that never sat still, always on the move, I think we called it "AITPS" (Ants In The Pants Syndrome). I am going to miss Matt dearly, and although he won't be here physically, he will always be alive to me he will dwell in my heart, and be in my thoughts, and prayers until the day I join him in Heaven.

I LOVE YOU MATT AND MISS YOU SO MUCH !!
Until we meet again in Heaven,
Chris Penrose
penroseseven@netzero.net

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

To the family of Matthew -

No words can express how sorry we all are for the loss of Matthew. Grant has taken Matthew's passing very hard. Grant and Matthew played for Steele Hill together on the Baseball Allstar team. I have tried to explain that Matthew is no longer scared or in pain and has had the pleasure of meeting our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I have also explained that the tears that I shed after hearing the news were for you, his parents, due to the understanding that it will be harder for you to go on without Matthew. I realize that we have never met in person, but I wanted you to know that Grant and I are keeping all of you close in our prayers. I will be making a donation to Steele Hill in honor of your son.

The family of Grant Easterday
teasterday@florioperrucci.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Dear Martha, John and family,

I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you. There was not a day that I didn't think of you, or Matthew.

Terry Rose Barber
schemedly@enter.net

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Matt was always a fun person to have around. He was so energetic that when he was out on the field or on the court, you could not even tell he was sick. He always looked at things in a positive way, and for that he will never be forgotten. Matt will always be in our hearts. He was a special kid and a joy to everyone who crossed his path. He will certainly be missed.

The Kuphal Family
thedutchat939@entermail.net

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Our deepest thoughts are with you, John, Martha & Emily. God Bless you Matt, you will never be forgotten. You were such a pleasure to know. We will always remember the fun times we all had together. I could just see you, jumping on the trampoline and laughing up a storm.

We All Love You & Miss You Dearly
The Yeager Family
Gary, Cathey, Alysa & Erik
rolinboy@lycos.com

Thursday, May 13, 2004

John, Martha & Emily,

I am thankful and proud to have been one of Matthew's coaches for both basketball and baseball. Watching him play was always an enjoyment and we will never forget the fire and energy he brought to the game. He was an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Castiglia's
Pat, Laurie, Mike and Matt
pat.laurie@verizon.net

Thursday, May 13, 2004

John, Martha and Emily,

"I'm sorry" just doesn't seem to be the right thing to say at a time like this. Katie, Matt and I, instead, would like to say thank you! Your family has been an inspiration to us for as long as we've known you. You've shown us what it means to be courageous, unselfish, and accepting of the things we cannot change. All we can do is smile when we think of Matt. It was always such a comfort to know that there was another mom around who's son got as dirty as mine. All we could do was shake our heads at all those grass stains. I will always remember him as one of the boys...but with the energy and enthusiasm of ten boys. Matt will miss him dearly as will Katie and myself. We will be making a donation to Steele Hill in honor of all the great memories we have shared. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Fondly,
Tina, Katie and Matt McKenna
mck7703@aol.com

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Martha, John and Emily-

I just want you to know how sorry sorry I am about Matt. I feel very lucky that I knew Matt. He was a very special little boy, but now he is up in Heaven looking down on
everyone that was special to him.

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

Trisha Vegh
raggedytish69@yahoo.com

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Martha and Family...

My heart bleeds for you at this time..Although I haven't seen you in awhile..I thought about you as well as Matt..I hold you with my deepest thoughts and prayers

Jackie Sands Cole
j38sands@aol.com

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Martha and family,

I'm so sorry about your loss. I didn't know your son, but I know you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Marilyn Cole, Dawn Richline and Cheryl Slack
crazyisgood@webtv.net

Friday, May 14, 2004

John, Martha & Emily,

We are so very saddened by your loss. Matt was always so full of energy. The first time I met him was at the school bus stop with his Aunt Rachel. Alyssa and AJ would wait for the bus together and Matt would run circles around everyone. This gorgeous blond haired boy with enough energy to keep the sun going. When he would come to the basketball games with Emily he still had that energy. It used to make me tired just watching him. He loved life, always had a huge smile and always seemed to have a basketball or baseball in his hands. What a pleasure and joy to have known him! Our lives are fully and richer for having had him in our lives! We will miss him greatly.

Art, Colleen, Nieves, Steph & AJ Chavez
artncoll@bellatlantic.net

Friday, May 14, 2004

I can't begin to tell you how sorry we all are. Matt had a spirit to him that carried to all he knew. He brought a little sunshine to all of the games (and trust me, there have been many between, football, wrestling and baseball) that my son played with him over the years, the boy had no fear on the playing field. Peace for you Matt, you've earned it. Our love and prayers are with you. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

All our love,
Mick, Sue, Jake, Julia and Luke Parichuk
sm2j@enter.net

Friday, May 14, 2004

The memories that we have of you and our times together at our house are some of the most dearest of all our memories in life. One of the most memorable moments was when you chased a pheasant up the corn field trying to catch him. Our times in Canada where some of the best times that you and I had together. You catching your fish and dissecting its eye, and putting it in a bottle. Buddy remember when you blamed the broken toys on Buddy, and later we found out you where Buddy. Buddy we love you with all our hearts and you will be so missed.

Love with all our hearts,
Pappy & Lynn Penrose
pjjmp@juno.com

Friday, May 14, 2004

We were both devastated to find out about Matt's passing. He was truly like a little brother to us and we will never forget him. Matt was always a great big ray of sunshine and could make anybody smile; no matter what mood they were in. He will always have a special place in our hearts and will be greatly missed. Matt and his family are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Sam Forster and Shawna Raisner
sammmf0369@yahoo.com

Friday, May 14, 2004

Dear John, Martha and family,

I just don't have words to tell you how sorry I am. Matt was a special little boy and I know before GOD sent him to you, HE search the world over for the special family to care, love, and guide him and HE chose you. Matt will always be with you with every memory, your love will only grow deeper for him. I know when he reached HEAVEN'S GATES that LORI was waiting to welcome him home. The angels rejoiced and JESUS held him in HIS arms. No more pain or tears only JOY. GOD BLESS LOVE YOU.

AUNT BOBBI AND FAMILY
nannybert@juno.com

Friday, May 14, 2004

Matt, you'll always be a shining star in everyone's heart! You'll be truly missed by all of your loved ones! I love you very much and you'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. I have GREAT memories of you that will never be forgotten!!

Love,
Amanda Campbell

Friday, May 14, 2004

Matt, you will always be loved by your family! You will always be in my heart. We all love you dearly! You will never be forgotten! I love you so much! You where like a best friend to me!

Love,
Brooke Cicale
pamnken@enter.net

Saturday, May 15, 2004

Matt, I miss you so much. I think about you all the time. You will always be in my thoughts, and in my heart.

Lauren Rickline
lrickline@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 15, 2004

Matt was always smiling and making the day brighter. He was at every one of Emily's softball games cheering the team on. I will never forget him and was devastated when I heard about his passing. John, Martha, Emily and family - you will always be in my prayers.

I will never forget you Matt.

Stephanie Mondzak
stephh4869@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 15, 2004

Matt,

I miss you so much! You will always be in my heart! I wish you where here with us to play with Molly! She won't leave Aunt Pam alone. Molly is always licking her face when she sees her! Did you know that Brookie got a trampoline? It's so fun, wish you could go on it once! Did you see Aunt Lori yet, is she nice? We all have GREAT memories of you!

Love, Celine Penrose

Sunday, May 16, 2004

Matt,

I will miss you a lot.You were my best friend. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember you. I will always remember the good times we had. I am thankful because you let me spend the whole day with you before you went in the hospital and let me visit you in the hospital. I am sorry that you are gone and I will miss you very much.

From your best friend,
Justin Dickey
budearl@enter.net

Sunday, May 16, 2004

John, Martha, and Family,

We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. It is very apparent Matt was an inspiration to many. I wish we could have known him better. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always.

The Caleca Family
Jim, Patti, Lindsay and Michael
caleca@rcn.com

Monday, May 17, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Kevin, Tess & Matthew Johnson
tjkj@enter.net

Monday, May 17, 2004

Dear John, Martha and Emily,

Thank you for the investment that your family has made in ours through the Steele Hill recreational teams. We are sad and grieve with you about Matt's home going. Our observations of Matt were similar to those expressed at Saturday's memorial service. We would like, however, to add another. At the Steele Hill soccer and basketball games, he was willing to spend time with our Ben even though Ben is 5 years younger. Ben never forgot it to the point that we'd regularly pray for Matt when putting him to bed at night. Though he doesn't fully understand what's happened, we are able to explain that God did answer his prayer for healing. Just not in the manner we had presupposed.

Our love to you,
The Gatzes
philgatz@att.net

Monday, May 17, 2004

To all my friends and relatives,
Thank you for being there when I needed you the most. You all helped me get through this.

Carolyn Nancy Penrose

Matt, I will always love and miss you!
From your Nanny

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

When I tell people that I take care of kids with Cancer, it's always the same response..."Oh, how can you do that? Isn't it so sad?" And I always say, "you don't understand, its an honor to work with these kids, they are amazing. I spend the day playing Madden Football, watching DVD's and learning to play chess"...that is until the patient I did all this with passed away.

Matt was the strongest person I ever met. He taught me so much about having faith, being strong and living life to the fullest. I will remember Matt most for his 1am pages to his room and he'd say, "Kim you are just in time, the rerun for Animal Cops is starting" and we'd watch and laugh.

Matt I miss you everyday and I hope you continue to watch over me as I take care of the kids here at Chop. I'll even try and bring myself to root for the Giants once in a while.

Thank you to John, Martha and Emily for allowing me to know and love Matt.

Love,
Kim Gross
kgrossrn@aol.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

To the Penrose family,

Since we have heard Matt was sick again, our family has been praying for Matt and your family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is horrible. We will continue to pray for your family. Hopefully now that Matt is no longer suffering you will be at peace knowing he is ok in a better place and looking over all of you.

The Kophazy family
Don, Shawn, Chris, D.J., Alyssa and Zachery
shawnkophazy@yahoo.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

No words could express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We hope you find comfort in your family and friends. Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We are all very sorry for your loss.

Doreen ( Picht ) McCullough
mad202120022@yahoo.com

Monday, March 21, 2005

FROM THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THAT MATT WAS SICK IT BROKE MY HEART HOW DOES A CHILD WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE BECOME SO SICK AND UNABLE TO DO THINGS I FIRST OF MATTS ORDEAL WHEN HE WAS 5 YEARS OLD AND I SANG FOR HIM AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE IT MEANT SO MUCH TO BE ABLE SING FOR HIM THE FOLLOWING WEEK I GOT A PICTURE AND A CARD FROM THE FAMILY IT WAS SO SWEET I WAS SO SAD TO HER THAT HE WAS SICK AGAIN I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OR DO ALL I KNEW WAS THERE WAS A KID OUT THERE WHO WAS SICK AND THERE WAS NOTHING I WAS ABLE TO DO SO EVERYTIME I SEEN A BAKE SALE THAT WAS FOR HIM I WOULD BY SO MUCH STUFF JUST SO THAT THERE WAS MONEY TO PUT TOWARDS THE CARE FOR MATT AND WHEN I FINALLY READ IN THE PAPER THAT MATT HAD PAST AWAY I WAS SO UPSET I DIDNT KNOW HE HAD PAST UNTIL IT WAS TO LATE I FOUND OUT A WEEK AFTER IT HAPPENED AND I WAS SO UPSET THAT I COULDNT BE THERE FOR THE FAMILY BUT I AM HOPING THAT THIS YEAR I CAN GIVE THEM A SONG AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE EVEN IF I COULD ONLY SING ONE I KNOW THAT THEY WOULD BE GLAD AND I THINK ABOUT MATT EVERYDAY TO THE FAMILY I AM VERY SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOST AND I WILL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU AND MATT FOREVER I HOPE THIS YEAR I AM ABLE TO GIVE YOU THE SONG I GAVE TO YOU WHEN MATT WAS 5 YEARS OLD

Tyonna Rebozo
crebozo@aol.com

Friday, June 2, 2006

You were aways in my heart with your family when you died. I miss you a lot. Every time I look at a picture of you I cry.

Jaqueline Slack
jslack95@hotmail.com

Thursday, July 27, 2006

I miss you Matt every day. Every holiday it feels so different. I miss you so much. My mind has been on you a lot lately and I just miss you. I want you to see your new cousin Christopher Matthew Penrose, he looks exactly like you. He's already one almost two. I love you. See you in heaven.

Love,
Cori Penrose