Beloved Avon Athletics Bus Driver Memorialized

Editor’s note: We published this story earlier in the week, but here it is again in case you missed it.

At 6’9,” Matthew White was hard to miss and often mistaken for a parent in the Avon High School bleachers.

A familiar face at swim meets, wrestling matches, and soccer games, he was actually the bus driver who carted the athletes to and from their events. Unlike most drivers, however, White was more than the athletes’ ride, he was their number one fan.

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“Matt was special, “ recalls Avon swimming coach Diana Cesaro. “He cheered the kids on and was truly part of the team. From the outpouring of notes and donations I’ve received, it’s clear that Matt was very much loved and respected.”

White died on Feb. 25 at the age of 44 after a very brief illness, leaving his mother, two children Daniel, 7, and Sarah, 5, and ex-wife Laurie Hull behind.

His death was a big loss to the Avon athletes who had become accustomed to his supportive presence on the road and on the sidelines. Coaches, athletes, and parents alike felt compelled to honor him in a special way and, on in June, they got their chance.

With money donated by families of athletes and the Avon High School PTO and Booster Club, a bench was purchased in White’s memory. It is adjacent to the athletics bus lane at the high school – a perfect spot for students to sit and rest while waiting for their ride.

The memorial was led by Pastor Tim Ponzani and attended by dozens of friends, colleagues, and relatives of White. Speakers included Cesaro, superintendent Gary Mala, Assistant Superintendent John Spang, and others.

Many remarked on how White’s success was measured not in his job title, but in the professional way he did his job and, most importantly, the wonderful way he made others feel.

After the ceremony, held in the school auditorium, participants gathered outside in front of the school athletics entrance for the dedication of the bench, inscribed with White’s name and which was promptly sat on by his children.

Photo courtesy of Susan Rietano Davey.