Matthew N. Roper
Matthew Nicholas Roper entered into eternal life on February 19, 2020.
He was the beloved son of Sean and Kristen Roper and adored brother of John and James, all of Quincy; grandson of Paul and Judi Devin of South Yarmouth and George and the late Barbara Roper of Dorchester; nephew of Paul and Jacquie Devin of Milton, Michael and Jodie Roper of Quincy, Ann Roper Quinn of Canton; and the fun loving cousin of Madeline and Molly Devin, Caroline Quinn, and Liam Roper.
Matthew was born on January 29, 2003. His physical journey may have been short, but it was full. In all His Goodness, God joined Matthew with Sean and Kristen in an orphanage in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, and he was finally brought home on April 24, 2004, and it wasn’t long before his charm started to show. His big hazel eyes were the window into his soul, and the long eyelashes that protected them only needed to be batted once to further wrap his mother around his little finger. As Matthew grew, his curiosity did too- there was nothing he wouldn’t try. His eyes had a mischievous twinkle, and his determination was limitless. He read incessantly, and loved sports of all kinds; running track, playing soccer, basketball and baseball. His love of the outdoors led him to discover his true passion with high school rowing, where he was a varsity coxswain for his team at BC High.
Aside from an incident in fourth grade math, (wherein Matthew got in trouble for knitting instead of paying attention to a math lesson he already knew how to do,) Matthew was driven to always give his best effort, resulting in academic excellence. His hard work paid off with acceptance to Boston College High School, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and uncle. He found a true home for himself at BC High, and his participation in their various activities made him an integral piece of the fabric of the school. It gave him the opportunity to challenge his mind academically, his body physically, and expand his faith with all the school had to offer. He played trumpet in the liturgical music ensemble, using his musical talents to praise God. Matthew earned multiple academic awards and was named a scholar athlete. His friends were the joy of his days, and their support meant so much to Matthew.
He was funny, sometimes inappropriately in his mother’s opinion, but even she couldn’t resist laughing at his sense of humor and quick wit. He brought a smile to everyone he encountered, his kind and loving nature always on display. Matthew was thoughtful of those around him, creative and generous, but above all, Matthew was kind. Even in his own suffering, Matthew would reach out in compassion to others he knew were struggling, offering them hope and comfort.
As the middle of the boys, Matthew was the bridge that joined their three hearts. He handled his middle child status like a star, finding his own path and using the many gifts God gave him to grow in wisdom and grace. His loyalty to John and James was unparalleled. Matthew was always there to listen when they needed to talk, give advice when asked, and was happy to complete the family Christmas performance by adding his trumpet to the mix.
Matthew knew unconditional love. The connection he shared with his mom and dad was set on his heart from all eternity, and they consider themselves blessed to be chosen as his parents. Matthew loved watching movies with his dad and sharing jokes his mom didn’t appreciate, and they spent hours talking about all the things Matthew’s future would bring.
Matthew’s life was full of love, faith, joy and laughter. He also carried a cross that caused him great suffering in his young life. He bore that cross with courage, knowing he was not carrying it alone, but that his Lord Jesus shared his burden. Matthew’s faith in God sustained him in his darkest times, as he fought fiercely against the insidious disease of depression. Matthew believed in the power of prayer, and expressed such gratitude for all those people who prayed for him. We have no doubt that Matthew has been rewarded for his faithfulness, and now rests in peace, at last, in Paradise.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Gregory Church, 2215 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, Tuesday February 25 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Monday 3-7PM in Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE. Interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.
Guestbook Entries
Sean and Kristen, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful son. My heart and prayers are with you.
Sean, I am deeply, deeply sorry for your family’s loss. While I didn’t know your son, I do remember you always speaking lovingly about your boys. I can imagine that he inherited his quick wit & humor from you and I believe that he had a wonderful life, being a part of your family. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers 💛
May your beautiful son rest in eternal peace. After reading this beautiful sentiment written about Matthew, who was not just smart, witty, athletic, musically inclined, a great son, brother & friend, and having had a strong faith… He was courageous! Depression is a difficult battle that he suffered with inside and often not displayed for others to see. I’m so sorry for your family loss and wish you all peace and love now that he is comfortable at home with his strong faith. 💔🙏😥
Kristen and Sean, John and James, I am so very sorry for your loss. Matthew sounds like a great person with much to share. May he rest in the peace of Christ and may God comfort you and all the family with his love. Mass has been offered for him at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Chestnut Hill.
Fr. Don MacMillan, SJ
Krsten, Sean,John and James,
Your son and brother is at peace now. May you find some comfort in your faith. My family and I are keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Kristen, Sean, John and James;
We were so very saddened to learn of Matthews passing. Our hearts are just broken for all of you. Matthew was always a very special person and everyone who had the great pleasure of knowing him was truly blessed by his kindness, sense of humor, and wonderful smile. I hope you find comfort in knowing that he will live on in the hearts of all who have been lucky enough to know him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless You Matthew xoxo
Love,
Ann Marie, Jeffrey, and Amanda Burke
Sean and Kristen and family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your son Matthew. My prayers are with you and family and may he rest in peace Love Kathy 🙏🌹
Sean, Kristen, John and James,
This is a wonderful remembrance of Matthew’s life. May the memories you shared here and all the others you hold close to your hearts sustain you and help you find peace and comfort.
The Crowley Family
From the entire Quincy Track Club family and extended community we express our deepest sympathy. The Ropers were all deeply involved in our program and compassionate in all that it had to offer. A cardinal sang loudly in my yard this morning and I wondered why. Now I know.
Dear Kristen, Sean, John, and James;
We were deeply saddened to hear of Matthews passing. He was always so kind, caring, polite and a joy to be around. I hope you find comfort in knowing his sweet disposition, kindness, and wonderful smile left a mark with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Hugs and love to all of you. God Bless Matthew.
Love,
Ann Marie, Jeffrey, and Amanda Burke
Sean and Kristen and Family,
Ted and I so sorry to hear about your loss of your son Matthew. My he rest in peace. Our prayers go out to and your families.
May you family get stronger each day.
Love Regina and Ted
Sean and Kristen I can’t imagine the heartache. Words are simply not enough. Champion the cause and bring the light needed to reveal the sorrow and struggles of teen mental health. May your son have everlasting peace.
Sean I am sorry for your loss. There is no words that can describe the loss of a child ! My prayers are with you!
Joe Doyle. Eascare Ambulance
Sean and Kristen,
This obit is beautiful – almost as beautiful as Matthew. I’m brokenhearted, but so grateful to have been able to share just a small part of Matthew’s life. He brought so much joy, and it has been such a privilege to claim him as one of my “FSR kids.” Thank you for sharing your family with us. May your family and extended family of friends lift you up in grace, peace and strength in the days ahead.
Much love,
Jenna and John
The Roper family is one greatly respected and loved by the Boston College family. We are holding Matthew, all the Roper family, as well as the Boston College High community, in our heart and prayers. In the days ahead, may your faith and the love of your many friends be the grace that gives you courage and sustains you in hope.
Fr. Tony Penna
Director of Campus Ministry
Boston College
Kristen and Sean, John and James we are so sorry for your loss. We pray that your family find comfort and strength through these difficult times. We personally didn’t get the pleasure of meeting Matthew and as part of the Boston College High School family we wanted to let you know that were all praying for your family. We are here for you all.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. Matthew was a great man with many talents. He always looked out for others and was a genuine person. May he Rest In Peace
Sean and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sean,Kristen.John and James our deepest sympathy on your great loss of Matthew. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time. May he now rest in peace from all the Ropers
Dear Kristen,
I just heard this second. I am so very heartbroken. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time and always. Please accept my deepest condolences and love.
Sean, heartfelt condolences from my family to yours. Safe flight, Matthew.
Dear Roper family,
I extend my sympathy towards you all. Though you might not recognize my name, I was very close friends with Matthew. We shared many similar burdens and we were there for each other when we needed it. He was a great friend and I’m sure an even greater son and brother.
I don’t know you, but I read this obituary while looking for another one. I am so sorry for your loss, and all of you will be in my prayers.
My heart and prayers go out to you, Matthew and your other boys. My youngest attends Xaverian and my oldest attended BC High School, so I know both communities share my sadness and lift you all up in prayer at this time. May all these prayers give you comfort and may you feel the support and love from both.
Matthew sounds like a beautiful boy from a beautiful family. What a great gift that he will always have your love! Sincerely sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Matthew ,I remember how excited you were Sean when the boys came into your lives all those years ago .Thinking of all the Roper family and sending our love from all your relatives here in Ireland .xx
My name is Sean and I am a BC High alumnus. Though I did not know Matthew, he will always be remembered by our community. My prayers are with you.
I knew Matt as a dear friend. He kept me going when the world told me to shut down. I struggled with him, but I also laughed with him. I cried with him, but I also smiled with him. Nobody can give me the happiness that Matt gave me. I will always miss him, and I will always carry his memory in my heart. I will always be your friend, Matt, and I will carry that friendship to my grave. I promised that I would see you again, and I will stay true to that promise until I see you again.