No two words perhaps better describe Matthew DiIorio than inspirational and unselfish. In his 40 years of living, Matt literally inspired thousands in whatever he was involved but no more so than getting people to participate in raising funds and awareness and making the need to find a treatment and a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia a priority. Through each challenge Matt encountered during his 27-year battle with FA, he always managed to find the good in it, and it was Matt’s mission to help others with FA experience the benefits of the FARA community, which has converted an FA diagnosis from a lonely place of uncertainty into one full of hope and optimism.
The beloved son of Sallyann and Jack DiIorio and big brother to twins Andrew and Nicholas, Matt passed away on the Fourth of July, 2021 due to complications from FA. Matt was a devoted sports enthusiast and passionately enjoyed watching golf and his team favorites – the NY Yankees, the NY Giants, and the Boston Bruins. Of equal interest to Matt was his love of music. When not engaged in the excitement of a game, you would likely find Matt listening to music or often serving as a top-notch DJ at some event.
His smile contagious, his spirit infectious, and his charm, grace, and dignity forever intact, Matt was always there for anyone who needed him. An example of a true leader is one who serves by example, and he never let FA define who he was. His courage and determination to make a difference for others is the way he lived his life and unequivocally the way he will be remembered.