Just after Christmas, we lost a cherished neighbor, devoted husband, and loving father of two young girls. Matt's sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, and his family is now facing an unimaginable journey of grief and adjustment. As the provider for his family, his absence has created challenges that no family should face alone.

In true Gates Mills fashion, this compassionate community has already begun to wrap its arms around the Rutkowski family during their time of need. For those looking to help, there are two ways to offer your support. A MealTrain has been set up to provide home-cooked meals and assistance with household tasks, easing the burden on the family as they navigate the coming weeks. Additionally, a donation fund has been established to help with financial needs and ensure the family has the support they need during this difficult time.

We invite you to join us in honoring his life and supporting his family. The links to the MealTrain and donation page are provided below. Together, we can help provide comfort and hope to this grieving family as they move forward.

The following is his obituary, honoring the life and legacy of a man deeply loved by all who knew him:

Matthew Peter Rutkowski, 46, passed away on December 27, 2024. He was born on August 28, 1978, in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Peter and Louise Rutkowski. He grew up in South Russell, Ohio and attended Chagrin Falls schools, Miami University, John Carroll University and Cleveland State University. He spent the last 8 years living with his family in Gates Mills, Ohio, his “forever home.” He is survived by his wife Lyndy and daughters Jade and Rose, his mother Louise of South Russell, sister Jennifer, brothers Bob (Beth), John (Tina), Dan (Megan) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Peter.

Matthew was a devoted educator and Guidance Counselor at Twinsburg High School. His dedication to his students was unwavering and he had an impact on the lives of hundreds of young people both in Twinsburg and his previous school ArcTech Academy in South Euclid/Lyndhurst.

Matthew lived a life dedicated to service - service to his family, community, students, colleagues and many friends. He enjoyed volunteering at his daughters’ elementary school and was active in the Gates Mills community, including serving in a leadership role for the Gates Mills Art Show.

Matthew was an avid outdoorsman. He loved nature and spending time on the Chagrin River with his family to relax, fish and hike. He loved taking care of plants indoors and outdoors and planted a wildflower meadow on his property.

Matthew enjoyed travelling. In 2001 he met his wife Lyndy when they were both outdoor education teachers in Brinkhaven, Ohio. They lived in the same staff house with the other teachers and so the joke was always that they lived together since the day they met! October 15, 2025, would have been their 20th wedding anniversary and they had plans to return to Big Sur, CA and stay in a yurt at Treebones, a place they visited before they had children.

Matthew enjoyed tinkering and being an all-around handyman. He did everything for his property with his own hands, which gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment. He often referred to his family as frontiersmen because they lived so much in nature. He always said if he weren’t in Education he would be a handyman. He knew how to build and fix anything.

Matthew loved world politics, listening to music, was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, an avid reader and proponent of human rights. He had his own business, Unity Ceremonies where he was listed as the #1 wedding Officiant in Northeast Ohio.

Matthew’s father started the tradition of splitting wood to burn in a wood-burning stove to help heat the house and he continued that tradition. He was often outside splitting and stacking wood for summer bonfires and the stove, which he burned continuously from the time it got cold until it warmed up again. He spent his evenings sitting by the fire with his family reflecting on the day and life itself.

Most of all Matthew’s love language was ‘acts of service’ and he did everything he could for his family, wife and girls. He loved his family most of all and built his life around them. He was a dedicated father, husband, son and brother and unlike anyone you’ve ever met. His legacy shall live on in the hearts of many. Let us rest knowing that he is presiding over us and forever living in our hearts.