Matthew William Canil

It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the unexpected passing of our 34- year old beloved son, Matthew William Canil (Red) on December 7, 2024. Everyone that knew Matthew understood that there was never a person he met that he didn’t consider a friend. Matt’s endless stream of friends can attest to his easy-going manner and quick smile. He could offer a stranger the kindest word or the shirt off his back; everyone mattered to him.

Matthew was raised in Stamford Connecticut where he went to school for 12 years. College wasn’t a good fit for his free-spirit but rather he chose to follow his passion for driving anything with wheels. From his motorized jeep truck that Santa brought him when he was five, to a go-cart at twelve to his Dad’s McLaren 3 months ago. With a passion for driving, Matt obtained his CDL license. It was a very proud moment for him, his family, relatives and friends that supported him through this pursuit.  Matt took great pride in having a perfect driving record with his trucks. Recently, he shared his love for truck driving when he visited Myrtle Beach in October and insisted on taking both his Mom and Dad for a truck drive. It was a truly wonderful and very proud time for parents to see his joy. While visiting, Dad helped him install a CB radio in the truck. Matthew was a CB radio enthusiast and enjoyed talking to truckers all over the world. There wasn’t a roof top CB antenna that he couldn’t place, the higher and taller the better.

Mom made sure that during his Myrtle Beach visit he was well fed and had clean clothes, as she shared her endless love, care, and kisses.  It was our last visit with our wonderful son.

Big Red made his home in Stamford, Connecticut. There, over the years, he greatly appreciated and valued his family, friends, work colleagues, and community. Matt and his brother Michael were inseparable throughout their school years.  Matt also often described his cherished childhood friend and roommate, Steve Lucien, as his, “brother from another mother”. Steve was considered one of the Canil children. Matthew also deeply loved his girlfriend, Chrissy Corrales who claimed a very special place in his heart and life.

Matt enjoyed his family.  With them, he went skiing in Utah, vacations in the Caribbean and Hawaii, and was always ready to go to the race track to watch and help out with Dad and his friends.

Matt’s ever present infectious smile will be in everyone’s heart and will be missed by all.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved parents, Maureen and Jeffrey Canil of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, his adored brother, wife and niece, Michael and Katie Canil and 3-year old Michaela of Bethel, Connecticut and last but never least his little-kid sister, Kristen Canil of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to pledge a donation to the charity Tunnels to Towers in Matt’s name.  Matthew will live in our hearts forever.  He brightened many lives.

Services:

A Funeral Mass for Matthew William Canil

Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025

Time: 10:30 A.M.

Location: St. Gabriel Church

                 948 Newfield Ave.

                 Stamford, CT 06905

Celebration of Life – Remembrance

Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025

Time/Location:  Bradford’s Grill

                           83 Bedford St

                           Stamford, CT 06801

                           5:30 to 8:30

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew William Canil, please visit our floral store.