"Matt was an awesome guy and an amazing friend. I am at a loss of word over this tragic loss. Condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul and he rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Matthew Michael Szabo
May 4, 1997 - June 27, 2020
Megan and Matthew Szabo Endowed Excellence Fund at the University of Texas Steve Hicks School of Social Work: https://give.utexas.edu/area/ogpswmb
Our dearly loved Matthew Michael Szabo, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, left this world on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the young age of 23.
Matt was born at Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas on May 4, 1997. He grew up in Austin but moved to California for his senior year of high school. After graduating from high school at California Preparatory Academy in San Juan Capistrano, CA, he was eager to return to Texas where he had established roots and he moved "home" to Austin. Matthew was a student at Austin Community College.
Although his time was cut short, he certainly experienced a full life while he was with us. Growing up, he loved to play sports and tried so many -- soccer, baseball, golf, basketball and football. He was especially drawn to football and basketball and played both in high school. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and also loved the Longhorns. He regularly attended UT Longhorn football games and looked forward to the Red River Rivalry every year. He enjoyed hunting and being out on a ranch or laying in the water at the creek just as much as being at the lake or playing tennis and golf.
He loved watching Twitch and his favorite players were Timthetatman, Ninja and Hamlins. Matt also enjoyed playing video games, bowling, airplanes and spending time with friends. His favorite food was sushi and he chose it over anything else to celebrate special occasions as well as his weekly date night.
Although he didn't have an affinity for dogs when he was growing up, he developed a special relationship with Banksy, his girlfriend Kerry's Pomeranian. Banksy was able to break through Matt's tough facade and expose the big heart Matt really had. It was quite a contrast to see Matt -- 6'4" and 200 pounds -- walking a 10-pound Pomeranian. He relished in taking Banks on long walks. Banksy will miss Matt too.
Matt also enjoyed vacationing and we created some wonderful memories with him traveling to places such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, Louisiana, Colorado, Utah, Grand Cayman Islands, Lake Tahoe and many beautiful places in California like Yosemite, Big Bear, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, San Francisco, Alcatraz, Half Moon Bay, Los Angeles and Orange County. After every amazing trip, he was always happiest when he returned home to Austin, Texas.
Matt had a passion for music. His favorite bands included Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, DaBaby, Tee Grizzley, Kodak Black and Cody Johnson. His favorite song was "This is How We Roll" by Florida Georgia Line. He loved to spend late nights playing music and dancing around carefree at home although he wouldn't be caught dancing in public! He was the life of the party privately at home with his girlfriend. Amazingly, Matt knew every word to his favorite songs and would even sing along. They enjoyed many evenings dancing, laughing and playing games.
Matt was the kindest person and such a strong man inside and out. His laugh could brighten a room and his humor would entertain everyone. He had so much love for his family, friends and his girlfriend Kerry as well as the entire Daniel squad. He was truly one of a kind, immensely loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
We will see you soon, Matt, along with your sister Megan, who was also taken too soon. Matt and Megan were life-long BFFs. Megan called Matt "Treal" and he affectionately referred to her as "Meggy" and "Mookie". Megan and Matt had a special bond and enjoyed doing everything together with seemingly endless laughter. Matt was her confidant and she looked up to him. Our family is finding some solace in the fact that he is now reunited with his sister. May they both watch over our family and save a place for us!
He is survived by his mother Elizabeth Pires, father Les Szabo, his girlfriend Kerry Daniel, step-father Luis Pires, maternal grandparents Jerry and Cecilia Harrison; his step-grandmother Maria Pires; uncles and aunts Jeff Harrison (Cheri), Jerrod Harrison (Belinda), Rick Szabo (Penny) and Marian Townsend (Tom); cousins Ana Harrison, Abi Harrison, Cooper Harrison, Nicholas Harrison, Vayle Townsend, Lydia Townsend and Lance Townsend; step-brothers Michael Pires and Stephen Pires; step-uncles George Pires (Sue) and John Pires; step-cousins Malia McGahan (Shaun), Derek Pires (Renee), Sophia Pires and Luke Pires; Godmother Monique Fullbright, numerous great-aunts, great-uncles, more cousins and other extended family members.
Matt is preceded in death by his sister Megan, paternal grandparents Maria and Laszlo Szabo, step-grandfather Humberto Pires, great-grandparents William and Elizabeth Gernand, James "J.W." and Margie Harrison; grand-uncles Havis Howard "Sonny" Harrison, James "Buddy" Harrison and William C. Gernand; and grand-aunts Girl Dean Warner, Linda Balogh, and Rita Kay Hall.
We will be starting an organization in Matt and Megan's honor to assist with removing the negative stigma associated with addiction and mental health. In the interim, we have established a gofundme. Please consider donating to this effort to be part of the solution and help save lives.
Tributes
"Condolences to matt family from a friend God bless you matt "
"We love you Matt! Hug Meggie for us. - The Louisiana Harrison?s"
"The Newberg family sends its heartfelt condolences to Matt?s family and friends. I have fond memories of Matt and Ryan playing sports together in middle and high school. Words are inadequate to express our sympathies. "
"My sincerest condolences. I am truly sorry for your loss. "