Westfield Mourns 'Rock Star' Uncle

WESTFIELD, NJ - The Westfield community is mourning the loss of Matt Toriello, 34, who passed away in his home in Westfield on Sunday at the age of 34.

"I’m heartbroken over the loss of Matt Toriello, a beloved member of our Westfield community," Mayor Shelley Brindle said. "Thank you to his parents, John and Marilyn Toriello, and his siblings: Kristen, Suzanne and John, for courageously sharing Matt’s struggle and life ending battle with opioid addiction. The opioid epidemic impacts every community, and we need to do all we can to put an end to this public health crisis."

From the Memorial Funeral Home obituary:

"We are so sad to announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, and rock-star uncle Matt.

Matthew T. Toriello, 34, passed away suddenly at his home in Westfield on Sunday, August 11, 2019. Matt was a lifelong resident of Westfield.

Surviving are his parents, John and Marilyn Toriello; his sisters, Kristen and Suzanne; his brother, John; and 6 nieces and nephews.

We believe Matt would want us to speak truthfully about his passing so that others may see and know they are not alone. Matt battled an addiction to opioids and battled hard. He had recently achieved a major milestone in 9 months sober and we are so proud and grateful for the strength he showed every single day during his recovery. Then one day, very suddenly, he was not strong enough. Matt lost his battle early Sunday morning.

He will be missed today and everyday.

Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Rahway Ave., Westfield on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to The Matthew Thomas Toriello Memorial Fund at www.cfnj.org/mttmemorialfund.

We kindly request that you share this with Matthew’s friends - he had so many.

To send flowers to the family of Matthew T. Toriello, please visit Tribute Store."

Brindle said that on behalf of the community, she was sending prayers and condolences to the entire Toriello family, and to everyone who knew Matt as their friend.

"If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call 2-1-1, the NJ state addiction hotline," Brindle said.

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