Matthew John Merchant

Matthew John "Matt" Merchant passed suddenly on the morning of July 6th, 2015. Matt was born on December 13th, 1961 in Shaker Heights, OH. Matt attended Shaker Heights High School and received his BS from Miami University of Ohio. Matt then received his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Since beginning his career at GE in 1999, Matt filled a variety of positions including CTO and Global Managing Director. He was extremely intelligent and a highly sought-after expert. Matt traveled the world, spoke at conferences, and was highlighted in Forbes Magazine for his achievements in streamlining communication within GE Capital. Outside of work, Matt was an avid photographer, sailor, cyclist, gourmet chef and lover of fine wine and whiskies. Matt was always a beloved dinner "guest" and would never leave home without his own knives, seasonings, and condiments. In addition, every meal Matt created was carefully crafted from beginning to end and bore his unforgettably unique touch. When not troubleshooting for GE or cooking with friends, Matt could be found sharing his passions of cycling, sailing, or playing soccer with his beloved daughters and wife. Family games of soccer in the front yard were commonplace. Ruth, Lilly, and Madeline annually trained for and participated in the CT Challenge with Matt. He passed on his quick humor and love of technology to his daughter Marie-elle. Weekly sailing races were also a staple in Matt's life as he demonstrated his love for spending time on the water. Of course, not a moment of these activities went undocumented by his impressively sophisticated camera.
Matt was a dedicated and active member of the Southport Congregational Church. He demonstrated his commitment to his faith and the congregation by serving on several Church committees and developed both the Church website and a website to register volunteers and organize community service activities. Matt loved his church family and was well loved by the SCC community. Matt was loved and adored by his wife, children, family and friends. Matt will be missed for his big smile and big heart. He approached life with a gusto and exuberance that made him a joy to know and love. Matt is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Marie-elle, Lilly and Madeline; his parents Chuck and Rosemary; sisters Ann (Peter Eble), Karen (Brian Coate), and Sarah (Pawan Divakarla) as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the CT Challenge in Memory of Matthew Merchant. On-line donations may be made at: http://2015ctchallenge.kintera.org/mattmerchant. You may also contribute by check, payable to Connecticut Challenge and sent to CT Challenge, 250 Pequot Ave., Southport, CT 06890. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11th at 10:30 am at Southport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT. Lunch to follow the service. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, July 18th at 11am at Church of St. Dominic, 19000 Van Aken Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH. Lunch will follow the mass. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com