Matthew Keith Siemionko, had passion for learning

Matthew Keith Siemionko, 38, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at the Summa Health Center in Akron after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 6, 1981, in Wilmington to Roger Keith and Susan Jane (Yarra) Siemionko.

He lived in Ravenna for the past year and worked as a senior grant coordinator at the University of Akron. Matt graduated from Alexis I. Dupont High School where he loved to participate in their highly acclaimed band program. He had a passion for learning, and was named to Phi Beta Kappa at Vassar College where he received his bachelor’s degree degree in psychology.

Following  Vassar, Matt worked as an associate researcher at Dartmouth University before heading to the University of Utah to pursue his master’s degree in public health. Matthew dedicated his life and career to helping people. Whether at the Fourth Street Homeless Clinic, the Housing Authority or the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome Foundation in Salt Lake City, he was very passionate in securing funding to help the most needy in the community. He took that same generous spirit and drive to help support student and faculty funding at Salt Lake Community College, Bard College, and finally the University of Akron.

He loved to read and cook (especially casseroles for his friends at work). Matt had a tremendous sense of humor and his cynical wit will be sorely missed. He loved being with family and cherished his siblings, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his parents Roger and Susan; his sister Melissa and her husband Clay Helpinstill; his brother Andrew Siemionko; his nieces (Sadie and Nora) and nephews (Jake, Ryan and James).

A Celebration of Matt’s life will be held in Rehoboth Beach when the COVID-19 virus subsides.