Matthew Patrick Carow

Matthew Patrick Carow, 47, of Athens, Georgia, passed away on Fri., May 21, due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Born Jan. 19, 1974, in Chicago, he grew up in Lake Bluff, Illinois, and attended Lake Forest High School and the College of Lake County, in addition to Athens Technical College.

Matt was known for his energy that was difficult to tame. He rode sport motorcycles at a young age. When spending time with him, one could see his energy focus and turn into flashes of joy.

A fierce protector willing to come at all hours of the night when needed, he adored his son, Brantley, and daughter, Madeline, in quiet, selfless ways, and he loved spending time with them.

Matt was also known for his big heart and deep work ethic. He was the fun and silly uncle, nicknaming his nieces and nephews. He befriended and championed his co-workers. He loved animals, and there was no dog he couldn’t train. The proud doggie daddy of four Australian Shepherds over the course of his life, he volunteered at the Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline in Macon, Georgia.

He was quick to contribute his talents and passion where he could – he would throw pizzas or make restaurant-style hot wings for a family dinner, set up any tech gadget, fix computers and wifi networks, and adorn takeout containers with original artwork. He was also a skilled barber who loved to please.

In his passing, he continued to give to others through organ donation.

Matt taught his siblings and others around him that it is who you are inside, not what you do that counts; that the human spirit is incredibly resilient; and how to do hard things with amazing grace. Those who loved him will always expect him to burst into the room at any moment with a rousing welcome. This world is quieter without his bright light, and he will be incredibly missed by many.

Matt was surrounded by family, including all four of his siblings, in the time leading up to his death. He passed just as the sun was setting.

He is survived by his parents, James Phillips Carow, Sr. and Mollie Moran Carow of Athens; his children, Brantley and Madeline Carow; his sister Cathy Carow and niece Sophia Seiller; his brother Jim Carow (Jean), Jr., niece Natalie, and nephews Owen and Kyle; his sister Colleen Carow and nephew Emmett Girton; and his sister Rachel (Redd) Gauna, niece Mollie Osborne, and nephew Jacob Osborne.

A funeral mass was held Sunday at the Catholic Center, with a graveside service Monday at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.

Donations may be made in Matt’s name to the Athens Canine Rescue by visiting athenscaninerescue.com or sending a check to Athens Canine Rescue, P.O. Box 7064, Athens, GA 30604.