Matthew Jordan Zappala

Matthew Jordan Zappala, of Arvada, CO, age 32, died suddenly on June 18, 2024.  The beloved son of Frank and Erica Zappala, devoted brother of Brittany, loving fiancée of Charlotte Poberzyn and her daughter Alexa.  Matt was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and came to the United States as the adopted son of Frank and Erica.

Matt graduated from Kiski Prep School and the University of Colorado. He returned home after college for a few years but then followed his sense of adventure and love of the outdoors and returned to Colorado where he enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping and off-roading in his 2000 Jeep Wrangler in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Another very special place for Matt was the family cottage at Lake Erie which was his version of paradise and his sanctuary.  Many fond memories and lifelong friendships were made there. 

Matt had a great love for reading, history, and world politics. He took special interest in toponomy, the study of place-names based on etymological, historical and geographical information.  He was published internationally under a pen name and his work was viewed and cited by university scholars worldwide.  He had other hobbies and unique interests like filling numerous sketch books full of fascinating drawings and writings. Matt was a loyal and passionate fan of ice hockey and European football.  One of the highlights of his life was attending a match and rooting for his favorite team in Liverpool, England.  He was also an amazing cook and did an exquisite job of showing love through food including providing many meals to his neighbors, especially those in need. He was instantly likeable and a great friend to many.  Matt had some very special friends all over the world with whom he communicated almost daily.  He offered encouraging words to go along with his infectious smile and warm personality. He made deep connections with people who will value his friendship and his presence in their life forever.

Matt was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his uncle Paul Zappala.  He is survived by his parents, Frank and Erica, sister, Brittany, his fiancé, Charlotte and Alexa and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McDonald -Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc., 238 Crowe Avenue, Mars, PA 16046.  A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Please meet at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foothills Animal Shelter, 580 McIntyre Street, Golden, CO 80401, (303) 278-7575. Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.