Matthew Timothy Halloran, affectionately known to family as Da, 86, passed peacefully in his home in Ballground, Georgia, March 4, 2026. Two days prior, we held an old fashioned Irish wake with him in attendance, along with Dianne, Lynda, and his children and grandchildren that could attend. With his favorite drink, a Manhattan, we toasted and celebrated his life, telling stories, laughing and enjoying family - he said it was the best funeral he'd ever been to. Always the life of the party, his boisterous personality filled the room and will be missed by all.

We remember Da as a larger than life presence in our lives, fully involved as coach and cheerleader for all of our activities growing up - leading Indian Princesses and Guides, attending tennis and soccer matches and coaching the Incarnate Word HS swim team. He loved sailing, racing and spending time at our second home, a 25' Cal sailboat named Peg 'O My Heart. Traveling the country to see family was a huge part of our growing up experience - we named it MMDO (Matt's Marathon Driving Organization), where he drove the whole family in a blue Econoline van named The Beast, fully outfitted with a port-a-potty and poker table in the back. He loved dogs as a part of the family, and is surely being welcomed by his favorites, Katy, Red, and Indie. An avid football fan for the Buffalo Bill's and the Fighting Irish, he is enjoying Heavenly Orientation with Lou Holtz, his favorite Notre Dame coach, who passed the same morning.

Matt was extraordinarily generous in his time, talent and treasure. His devout Catholic faith drove his commitment to service, with over 45 years in the Optimist Club, and he was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He established the American flags program through Towne Lake Optimists and KOC Canton, which raised significant funds for various charities.

Born in 1940 in Buffalo, New York to parents Charles and Patricia (Peg) Halloran, he was preceded in death by his siblings Patricia (Patsy), Charlie, Mike, and Donna. He attended Canisius High School, followed by St. Bonaventure University, where he was a swimmer and also enjoyed speed skating. He was in the Merchant Marines, and was proud of his time as a bartender for the New York Athletic Club in NYC. He married his first wife Lynda Kurz in Buffalo, moved to Texas and had three children, Christopher (Carolyn Halloran, Georgia), Kathleen (Tracy Erickson, Colorado), and Ann (Duane Schlabach, Florida). He and his second wife Dianne, with her two sons Bryan (Andrea Wood, Georgia) and Chris (Meka Wood, Florida), were married 21 years, and shared their life in the Atlanta area. Grandchildren were a blessing in Da's life, Ryan, Patrick, Kevin, and Connor Halloran, Addy Erickson, Brian and Dylan Schlabach, Matthew and Morgan Wood, and Roxanne Stockton.

Da enthusiastically loved life, embraced family, and was so proud of all his children and grandchildren. His faith, positivity and eternal optimism is a legacy we all aspire to in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, family has requested that donation be made to the Humane Society or to Georgia Mountains Hospice in Jasper. https://www.georgiamountainshospice.org/donate-1/