"? Thus shall you think of this fleeting world: A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, A flash of lightning in a summer cloud, A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream? ~ from the Diamond Sutra. Matt Last you are deeply loved and will be forever missed. With Love from Lara ?"
In loving memory of
Matthew Edison Dick Last
September 22, 1966 - April 21, 2021
Matthew Edison Dick Last passed away peacefully on April 21, 2021 in Mystic, CT.
Born in Los Angeles, Matthew was the youngest of four children born to the late Jim and Marnie Last.
His brothers, William "Wooley", and Teddy, preceded him in death, in 2004 and 2006 respectively.
His first job as a young brakeman for the Old Colony Newport Railroad fueled his interest in trains and the love of the rails which would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Matt attended preparatory school at South Kent School in Kent, CT. He attended Fordham University and the New School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts.
Matt worked as a Ground Support Manager in airport operations at Rifton Aviation in Newburgh, NY; as First Mate onboard the Millennium passenger ferry, Quonset, RI and as a Railroad Signal Inspector for Pratt Railway Services.
His many interests included ham radio, tiki pop culture, railroad memorabilia and music.
He was a Mason affiliated with Harmony Lodge No. 9 in Cranston, RI, an Elk, and a Rhode Island Shriner.
Matt is survived by his sister Brooke "Letitia" Blake, and her children, Timothy and Sara Fiore, as well as his Uncle Edison Dick and wife Sally, his Aunt Titia Ellis and his former wife Amy Nightingale.
Matt will forever be remembered as a kind and thoughtful man, full of wit and generous good nature. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10-11 AM in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth RI 02871. Masks and physical distancing are required. Burial will be private.
Donations may be made in Matthew's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org
Tributes
"Matt, I am sadden by the news. I have to say everyday was a joy to work with you. I will remember your description of what it?s like for the crew waiting for a plane to arrive at the FBO, the sights and sounds going on. I can still smell coffee brewing. I will miss you my friend Tony Glazier"
"Matt, I can confidently say I have never met anyone with a bigger heart or a bigger smile. I still have a painting you gave me prior to leaving NH for CT. We told each other that the move was not \"good bye\" but until we meet again. I\'m holding you to that my dear dear friend. Lisa Campbell"
"Matt, It seems like yesterday, you were the fourteen year old kid who wandered into the Old Colony station and into the hearts of the entire crew. You were bright, diligent, but most of all, a wonderful friend! Now you\'ve boarded that Great Westbound Express, Matt. High greens all the way! Jack Doyle"
"I\'m saddened to hear of the loss of my dear friend Matt. We started working together in 1995 at Westchester County Airport and remained close friends ever since. I even had the honor of being the best man at his wedding. He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to his family. Till we meet again Matt, My love, Jarett White"