Matthew John Poirier
"Matty Po"
Aug. 9th 1985 - April 4th 2026
Matthew John Poirier, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, died on April 4th, 2026. He was 40 years old.
Matthew was born on Aug. 9th, 1985, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to parents James Poirier Jr. and Deborah Poirier. Despite the undeniable French-ness of their surname, he was raised amongst a large Portuguese American family, where he was often surrounded by his many loving cousins, tias, uncles, vovós, and grandparents. Whatever they chose to be called, he was a cherished part of their ever-expanding pack. Matthew was proud of his Azorean heritage, evidenced in a joyful trip to St. Michael with family in his teens.
Growing up, Matthew always had a remarkable sense of focus. His interests bordered on obsession, whether it be video games, rollerblading, or break-dancing. His intensity allowed him to become fully immersed in these subjects, until he ultimately would master them. Matty did not just play Tony Hawk Pro Skater… he hacked into the game, scanned his face and clothing with a flatbed document scanner, and created a character in his image who would dominate the skate park. That is the level of intensity he brought to all the things he truly enjoyed.
Matthew always appreciated a good joke. When he heard one, he laughed with all his body and all his heart, and that laughter was infectious. When Matty committed to a joke of his own, he equally went all in. Some people tell jokes. Others teach themselves how to sew in order to make a life size rabbit suit for a gag. That was Matty, and the rabbit suit he created became so legendary that it took on a second life. Thanks to his good friends the Kinnanes, the suit would later go on to be an integral part of a comedy skit featuring two of Matty’s comedy heroes, Adam Sandler and Kevin James.
In high school, comedy brought him together with a tight knit group with whom he would remain friends for the rest of his life. He loved to write skits and perform with his best friends Paddy, Nathaniel, Stu and others. In 2003, he joined several of these friends on a trip to Barbados. The trip opened Matty’s eyes to a world outside of his small town of Tiverton, Rhode Island. It would no doubt play a role in inspiring his pursuit of art and film in college, where he eventually attended MassArt in Boston.
In art school, Matt was able to explore many mediums and truly get acquainted with his creative voice. He went on to master many skills including photography and videography, but did not discover his true artistic calling until enrolling in a post-college class on glass art.
His hobby of glassblowing and lamp work quickly became a passion, and furthermore, a fulfilling career. Through this art form, he was able to connect to fellow artisans and collectors, like-minded creators and dreamers that nurtured his creative spirit. He loved making whimsical glass sculptures and sharing them with friends and loved ones. It was truly an honor to receive one of Matty’s creations. From squirrels and cheese, to cartoon characters and ‘pendies’, Matt’s creative output in glass was a perfect example of his playful nature, and a physical embodiment of the overwhelming joy within him that he was thrilled to share with the world.
While he took great pride in his work and art, Matthew took greatest pride in his son, Owen. When the two of them were together, he relished sharing his love of pop culture through comics, Pokemon, and board games, as well as charting new adventures with backyard dart battles and weekend campouts. Owen’s presence brought out the best in Matthew, like on one particular camping excursion, when foul weather rained out the weekend. Instead of packing up, they spent the night camped out in the tent, playing with Pokemon cards by lamplight. Their mutual company was more than enough to keep them giggling through the late night, and it turned a sour moment into a sunny one, remaining one of Owen’s most treasured memories.
In video games, Matty and Owen enjoyed slaying zombies, biting farmers, and battling minibosses from alien galaxies, free to immerse themselves in imaginary worlds full of adventure and possibility. In the kitchen, Matty loved preparing chicken wings (the best around!) and perfecting his many incarnations of hot sauce, with his son often being his first taste tester. Matty opened Owen’s mind up to new and exciting foods, and Owen admits that his father’s enthusiasm with cooking has inspired him to become a chef one day. The two also bonded over YouTube, Bob’s Burgers, and most of all, playing with their beloved dog, Teddy. With his son, Matthew was able to stay in touch with his inner child, and wherever they were together would be his happy place.
Matthew lived an unvarnished life. For all his many strengths, he also had his faults, as he struggled with his mental health. He wore his heart on his sleeve along with all of his scars for the world to see. He spoke his mind freely, exercising radical candor. On his worst days, these sharp words could cut deep, with a scathing wit that was both quick and clever. Hidden behind many of these unpleasantries however, was a wealth of love that could not always be contained. On his best days, this love flowed out of him unobstructed, as the brightness of his light spilled out like a flood. He could be magnetic, charming, considerate, and funny- quick to bring a laugh and eager to share a joke, a meal, or a thoughtful piece of art. He was a brilliant and complex individual, with many sides.
We will and we should remember all of Matty’s person; his strengths and faults, the wholeness of his being. It would be unfaithful to his legacy to keep only one part of his memory alive. Instead, let us remember his struggles as a reminder to keep compassion in our hearts for those who still struggle, and empathy for those who are hurtful, because they too are hurting. Let shadows shape his image just as much as the light, and let our painful memories be eased when they contrast with happier ones. If there was one thing that Matty disliked above all in life, it was fakeness. He was as real and genuine as a person could be, and his loss is felt by a remarkable community of friends, family, and loved ones who have been forever shaped by his presence.
Matthew Poirier is survived by his son, Owen, siblings Jimmy and Lauren, parents James Poirier Jr. and Deborah Poirier, and grandparents, James Sr. and Patricia Poirier, and Maria O’Linda Aguiar.
A retrospective art show of Matthews' work is currently being curated. It will be announced at a later date.
Do you own an original artwork by Matthew Poirier / Lofty Glass that you are interested in loaning out for the art show? Would you like to share a memory or photos for inclusion in this online tribute? If so please get in touch with his brother Jimmy below.
Thank you!
Please come back and visit this memorial site anytime you'd like to be reminded of Matty. We will continue to add photos and memories as we go through them. Always remember, whoever and wherever you are, there is somebody who loves you, and you can never get too far away from home that you can't come back.
Note: We will never ask for money or personal information in connection with this memorial. This website exists for the sole purpose of honoring Matthew's memory. In the past, Matthew and his business, Lofty Glass, have been targeted by impersonators for the financial gain of these disreputable individuals. If you are ever asked for donations, financial contributions, or personal information in connection with Matthew's memorial, please report it with the above form.