Matthew Jacob David Ferreri

Matthew Jacob David Ferreri was born on October 19, 1999, in Dayton, Ohio, carried with love and protection by his birth mother, Kelly Elliott, and gently placed into the arms of his parents, Samuel and Cindy Ferreri. On September 14, 2025, Matthew’s earthly journey came to an end, a surprise to each of us, but not to God. His story will always live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Matthew, a vibrant and spirited individual, came home to Joplin, Missouri, at 10 days old. At the age of three, he moved with his family to Madison, Mississippi, and at the age of four, to Branson, Missouri, where he attended Branson Elementary School through sixth grade. Matthew was bright and developed a love for reading at a young age. Those early teachers allowed him to keep one or two books on his desk. Matthew was well known by the librarians. When most students were allowed two books, he checked them out 4-10 at a time. At Christmas break, he read all the 50 books he brought home! While in Branson, Matthew entered the world of theatre when he played a mouse in The Nutcracker. In the tradition of the show must go on, Matthew performed well even though he had a 102-degree temperature and was violently ill during the curtain call. Matthew later moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. While attending Cape Central High School, Matthew found a niche in the Theatre department. He went from working backstage to lead roles under the leadership of “Mother Goose” aka Ms. Kimmy Wiebbermeyer. Matthew graduated from Cape Central High School, and when he could not figure out what to pursue, he took a break from his college studies at Southeast Missouri State University. Matthew worked hard and “played” hard with his family, adept at annoying his siblings when he was younger, and then playing hard with his friends. His first job was with the local water park in Cape Girardeau, Cape Splash, where he worked concessions and had the opportunity to visit with all those he knew. He then, with his playful spirit, got a job at the local up-and-coming trampoline park Ultimate Air Cape, where he played a significant role in recruiting employees and making a fun workplace for everyone involved. While attending SEMO, he joined the team at SAM’s club till he moved to Wichita, Kansas, to have time to know and connect with Kelly, Tyler, Izzy, and Nia. When he returned to Cape Girardeau, he returned home to spend time with his family. He started working with Academy Sports before joining Koehler Engineering and Land Survey Group. Matthew was an artist and excelled in school. He considered many different professions as he grew up, from a doctor to an attorney. Still, ultimately, he was a simple man who needed just his needs met and a few wants. Spending time with those he loved is what was truly important to him. Matthew had the uncanny ability to make everyone he interacted with feel like family. Matthew was a friend like no other, as Noah Ray beautifully described him: “the guy who always showed up, who always made sure you were laughing so hard it hurt, and who loved those close with his whole heart. From keeping me "safe” on my roof, to helping me get my stand ready to then shoot my buck this year, to catfishing in Kentucky, being there for me in the hardest times of my life, being one of the most fun pool teammates, from being the worse lab partner in multiple classes, to giving me a place to stay when things were tough." Matthew's presence in the lives of his friends brought joy. Drew credits Matthew with the relationships he has and the love of his life. As Drew said, "I was so excited to move back to Missouri from Texas and be closer to my family and friends and you just helped me move into my apartment on Tuesday. When you guys pulled up, I couldn’t help but smile." For Benjamin, Matthew was one of the greatest brothers you could ask for. He never invaded your space, but he always knew when to poke at you or throw in a small joke that he thought was so much funnier than anyone else did. As his older brother, he used to get under all our skin with his persistent spirit. If he thought something was right, he’d fight until he was blue in the face to get under your skin. To Sam and Cindy, Matthew was a true blessing as a son. Although they were not there when he entered this world or when he left it, they feel blessed to have lived this time in between and watched him grow from a baby to a child, to a young man, and finally to an adult. Matthew is fondly remembered as the first to bring home kittens (despite saying he never liked animals) and was always kind to the dogs, Susie Q and Bell. Additionally, they knew he secretly loved animals when we visited him in Wichita, and Nia's beagle was sleeping on his bed with him. The dog had a bed in his room! When Elizabeth was born, he was genuinely torn between staying at home to watch her breathe, counting her sneezes, and going to school to brag and show off his new sister. Matthew swore he never wanted children, but his actions spoke differently. Watching him drop off a girlfriend's daughter with them, then quickly escaping with tears brimming in his eyes, because the toddler was crying, told his mom exactly how gentle and loving he truly was. Matthew is survived by his parents, Samuel and Cindy Ferreri of Cape Girardeau, MO; his birth mother, Kelly (Tyler) Elliott of Kansas; his brothers Benjamin (Kati) Ferreri of Scott City, MO, and Johnathan Ferreri, his sisters Elizabeth Ferreri, Christine Ferreri, Nia Arambula, and Isabella Elliott; his paternal grandmother, Dolores Ferreri of Corona, CA; and his maternal grandmother, Patricia Medley of Lebanon, MO. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dale and Patsy Medley, and his paternal grandfather, Samuel J. Ferreri. Though his time here was far too short, Matthew’s love, laughter, and spirit will ripple through the lives of those he touched and knew. Services will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at 931 West Main St., Buffalo, Missouri 65622. Arrangements are under the care of the Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home. Please feel free to join the family following the graveside service at Chubby's Chicken, 739 West Dallas Street, Buffalo, MO 65622. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.

Matthew Jacob David Ferreri

October 19, 1999 - September 14, 2025