Matthew Robert Dixon
SOUTH PORTLAND – Matthew Robert Dixon, a treasured family member and friend with a big heart, a penchant for making others laugh and an obsession with collecting sports-themed hats, passed away on May 28, 2023, at age 40.
Matt was born in Endicott, N.Y., on May 12, 1983, and moved to Maine with his family in 1988. He attended Cape Elizabeth schools and enjoyed playing sports in middle school, but was less fond of getting up very early on no-school mornings to deliver the Maine Sunday Telegram.
After graduating from Cape high school in 2002, Matt attended Endicott College in Massachusetts, and later what was then known as Southern Maine Technical College, studying architectural and engineering design.
Matt realized he had an interest in the culinary arts and joined the kitchen staff at Saltwater Grille in South Portland, where he worked for eight years and became an excellent cook. At other times he worked at OTTO Pizza and in the circulation and distribution department of the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.
When not working, Matt loved to listen to music, play video games and cook meals for his family. He collected dozens of sports-themed hats, many of which he displayed in his bedroom and never wore. And he was a passionate fan of Boston’s pro sports teams, with the exception of the Patriots – none of their caps can be found in his collection. Go J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!
His other loves included TV shows such as “Seinfeld,” “Family Guy” and “The Office,” and he became a living encyclopedia of sitcom history and trivia.
Matt’s sense of humor was a special gift. He will be remembered for his ability to instantly bring joy to others with a joke and a grin.
Among the many loved ones he leaves behind is his brother, Michael “Spike” Dixon, who Matt dubbed “Spichael” and with whom he shared a love of music, cars and 1980s nostalgia. Matt also had a special relationship during his life with Kathy Savage and Janie Savage of South Portland.
Matt was predeceased by all of his grandparents and by his uncle, Daniel Howard. He is survived by and deeply missed by his parents, Robert J. Dixon and Susan Howard Dixon of South Portland; his aunt, Geralynn Howard of South Portland; his brother, Spike Dixon and fiancée, Josie Gomon, of Woodstock, Md.; and many other members of the Dixon and Howard families.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday June 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine. A celebration of Matt’s life for family and friends will be held in upstate New York at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Matt’s name to:
the South Portland
Food Cupboard or
any charity of your choice
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