Matthew Allen Thompson

YOUNGSTOWN - Matthew Allen Thompson, born January 2, 1964, passed away September 8, 2025 in his home. Matt was born in Cleveland, Ohio and spent much of his life in Leavittsburg, Ohio, serving as a devoted caretaker for his beloved parents who preceded him in death, Jack & Phillis Gray. He'd recently moved to Austintown, Ohio to a home about which he was very excited, surrounded by neighbors who offered him a warm welcome and of whom he spoke very fondly.

Matt was a lover of westerns and an ardent outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, proudly displayed his trophies, and was quick to share venison and fish. He was also an avid animal lover who bred labrador retrievers for many years, although perhaps his most cherished dog was Jesse James, a small chihuahua he shared with his mother following his father's passing. After Jesse's passing, he and his mother adopted a calico cat, Bootsie, via the cat distribution system. Bootsie quickly became the light of Matt's life and helped him through the loss of his mother, providing continuous comfort and company. There's nothing Matt wouldn't have done for Bootsie, even dedicating a room in his home as her own.

In addition to his parents, Matt is preceded in death by his biological father, Louis, and his beloved brothers, Marc and Steven. He's survived by Bootsie, stepsister Ellie, sister Patricia, brother Michael, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom he loved like his own children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Matt's honor to American Indian College Fund (https://collegefund.org), an organization of which he was a longtime supporter.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.