Matthew Sayles Passes at Age 26

[Editor's note: The following was provided by of Ridgewood.]

Matthew Sayles, of Ridgewood, passed away at age 26.

Surrounded by his family and friends, Matthew Sayles transcended this world into eternal life on November 10, 2011 after a long and difficult battle against salivary duct carcinoma. Born March 7, 1985 in Olney, MD., he was a graduate of Ridgewood High School, Class of 2003, and Siena College, Class of 2007.  

Sayles taught mathematics at Midland Park High School as well as in Thailand. Matt was a teacher, traveler, photographer, mathematician and an avid sports fan; his greatest love was live music and Lake George.

Matt is the adored and cherished son of Kathleen & David; beloved brother and friend to Dave and his fiancée Cat, Timothy and Grace Li; dear grandson of Rita H. Bayer of Ridgewood, Germaine & the late David G. Sayles of Glen Rock, the late Joanne Sayles of Glen Rock and Ted Bayer of Tucson; inspirational nephew of Chris & Patti Bayer, Teddy Bayer & Kathy Smith, Liz & Vince Gillen, Jon & Mary Ellen Sayles and Martha Sayles.

He will be missed by his many first and second cousins, great aunts and uncles and many loving friends, students and colleagues.  

Matt will always be our Peaceful Warrior whose quiet inner strength touched us all. Matt inspired all of those he touched to live well and be kind. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Visiting Hours were held Sunday, Nov. 13, and will also be held Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home, Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday November 15, at 10:45 a.m. at in Ridgewood. Interment will be at in Ridgewood.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matt Sayles Memorial Scholarship Fund for aspiring musicians or mathematicians entering college and sent to Matt Sayles Memorial Scholarship Fund, 899 Lincoln Ave, Glen Rock, NJ 07452.