Matthew David Bowen, age 59, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Danbury, Connecticut, holding the hand of a dear friend at the West Haven VA Medical Center.
Matt was born on Feb. 19, 1965, in Omaha, Nebraska, and lived in Illinois and Texas before moving to California with his mother. He graduated from Redondo Union High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Warfare Petty Officer aboard the USS Mount Hood.
In 1993, Matt began working with computers, developing a passion for technology that would define his career. In 2009, he founded Hudson Valley Technician, a business he proudly operated until just before his passing. Matt worked with integrity and care, treating his clients like family.
Matt had an adventurous spirit, a deep love for nature, and a heart that found joy in helping others. Locally, he was an active member of the Beacon Sloop Club, passionate about community and environmental stewardship. He also played a key role in organizing the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, a cause close to his heart.
Above all else, Matt deeply loved his daughter, Charlotte, and cherished his nieces, nephew, and their children.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beth Swanson, and father, John “Jack” Bowen. He is survived by his beloved daughter Charlotte; ex-wife Erica; brothers Robert Bowen (Julie) and Randy Lightfoot (Judy); nieces Amber Simonic (Randy) and Angela Boyce (Ryan, Nicholas, Jonathan); nephew Bradley Bowen (Trisha, Jack); and countless close friends who will forever hold his memory dear.
Matt will be cremated and laid to rest with full Navy military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Illinois this spring. Private celebrations of life will be held in New York and Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to AIDS Walk New York 2025 (aidswalkny.org). May those who knew Matt carry forward his curiosity, courage, and unwavering enthusiasm for life.
Matt was my friend. We met in high school and he was one of two people I’ve kept in contact with because he was my friend. When I became ill and needed help, Matt offered me his kidney and went to be examined to see if he could be a donor. I will miss him forever. Matt was my friend.
I will deeply miss my little brother. Yet the courage he displayed in his final months are a lesson to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. Rest in peace Bro and I shall see you soon but not soon enough as I complete my journey in this life. Thanks for the laughter and countless memories.
Matt was my friend of 40+ years. He was a light and a guide; a man who enjoyed life and his family and friends. He worked hard and gave of himself when needed. His smile lit up the world. He was strong and determined, yet passionate and loving. I will so miss our friendship, but he will always be with me. Thanks, Matt.