Obituary of Matthew Schiek

Matthew Thomas Schiek, 20, of Howell passed away tragically on February 14, 2015. He was born on March 16, 1994 in Staten Island, NY, the beloved son of Richard and Randi (Epstein) Schiek. Matthew grew up in Howell and graduated from Howell High School in 2012, where he was an honor student and a 4 year varsity hockey player, helping lead the Howell Rebels to the Shore Conference Dowd Cup in his first varsity season. Matthew was a junior at The University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, an annual Dean's list student majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and volunteered with The Boltwood Project which assists mentally and physically challenged individuals. Matthew was a gentle soul full of love and compassion. People were instantly drawn to his sense of humor, kind heart and generosity. He had an appreciation for nature, music and playing hockey, but his real passion was the guitar. He was a remarkable young man with quick wit, and will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. Matthew was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Doris and Paul Epstein; and his paternal grandmother, Mary Schiek. He is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Randi of Howell; his cherished sister, Rachael; devoted aunts and uncles, Mark and Amy Epstein of Oradell; Robert Schiek of Manchester; Lisa Schiek of Point Pleasant; Ronald Schiek of Cranford; as well as cousins, Danielle and Anna Epstein of Oradell; and scores of dear friends. Death is sad enough when anticipated, but even worse when unexpected. Matthew was a gift to his family and friends, and we will miss him every minute of every day. Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service at the funeral home on Monday, February 23, 2015. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle. Family members will be sitting shiva at their residence on Tuesday, February 24th and Wednesday, February 25th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthew's name to The Boltwood Project, UMass Civic Engagement & Service-Learning, 611 Goodell Bldg, UMass Amherst, 140 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003 or http://cesl.umass.edu/donate-memory-matthew-schiek would be appreciated. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.