Matthew Gareth Quatrano

January 20, 1992 - January 18, 2021

STANDISH - Matthew Quatrano, 28, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021. He was born on January 20, 1992, the son of Chipper and Brenda (Guy) Quatrano. When remembering Matt, the first thing everyone mentions is his infectious laugh. Secondly, that big smile he often wore. Through most lenses, he was the type of person you wanted to be around. Matt was a loyal son, brother and friend. He was always willing to help someone in need, even if it meant rescheduling his whole day. If someone called and asked a favor, he would stop whatever he was doing to help out, even if that included missing work or an appointment. He saw the positive side of people even when others couldn’t. He would befriend someone wherever he went, starting a conversation and making a connection with a complete stranger. It just came naturally to him. He also loved to be around his niece and nephews. He would roll on the floor playing games with them, be the first one down a slip-and-slide, and enter a pie eating contest without hesitation. He enjoyed making things fun for everyone around him. Matt’s life was not free of struggle, especially his last decade. He suffered with addiction as a means for coping with mental illness. He asked for help and fought hard to find freedom. For the last 90 days, those around him heard his loud, contagious laugh and saw that smile and wide-eyed expression of wonder and delight as Matt found strength and momentum in his sobriety. He was doing all the right things, including helping others in their own recovery. His family loved him and stood with him, and he knew it. From early on, he was a bit of a dreamer and always looking ahead to things he wanted to accomplish. He loved to talk of big future plans, the latest being hiking the Appalachian Trail and a bike ride across Iowa called RAGBRAI. One of the first things he talked about doing right after high school was moving to San Francisco and becoming a writer. Although he never moved far away, he did continue to enjoy writing. His interests were always changing, and he would jump in with both feet to any new idea or impulse: writing, computer science, cooking, hiking, fishing, hunting — an endless list of plans and things to try. He would get so excited to learn something new; then that laugh and smile would come and he’d start making his plans. There was no stopping him, and you couldn’t help but want to go along for the ride. Matt was loved by many, and he tried with all his heart to make sure people knew how he felt about them. He never wanted anyone to be disappointed in him and would put the feelings of others before his own. He’d be crushed knowing how upset everyone is now that he is no longer with us. It may seem the darkness has won this time, but let’s hold light from Matt in our hearts. Think about a fun memory of Matt, have a good laugh, and put on a big smile. That’s what he would have wanted. In addition to his parents, Matt is survived by his brother, Charlie Quatrano; sister-in-law, Kristin; and nephew, Leo; brother, Eric Quatrano; sister-in-law, Amanda; nephew, Aiden; and niece, Giovanna; and a long list of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all loved and supported him along his journey. Matt was predeceased by his grandparents, John and Lorraine Quatrano, and Gareth and Lorraine Guy. A celebration of Matt’s life is being planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Maine Behavioral Healthcare Development Office 78 Atlantic Place South Portland, ME 04106 https://www.mainehealth.org/Maine-Behavioral-Healthcare/Ways-To-Give Or to: St. Francis Recovery Center Residential Rehabilitation Catholic Charities Maine Development Office PO Box 10660 Portland, ME 04104-6060 https://www.ccmaine.org/donate/in-memory-gifts