I remember talking on a thread about a black squirrel in NYC as my husband and I drove through...

Here it is. I was looking for it as well.

https://www.cathinfo.com/general-discussion/on-squirrels-52966/

I saw that his last post was mid-afternoon on 11/29 and then he passed away the next day.  So it would appear to have been unexpected.

Here it is. I was looking for it as well.

https://www.cathinfo.com/general-discussion/on-squirrels-52966/

It seems like he was a contemplative soul. Immediately, this excerpt from De Trinitate came to mind:

need we be surprised if God produces visible and sensible effects as he pleases in sky and earth, sea and air, to signify and show himself as he knows best, without the very substance of his being ever appearing immediately manifest, since it is altogether changeless, and more inwardly and mysteriously sublime than all created spirits?

His passing seemed sudden and unexpected.  I have a recollection that he had mentioned some chronic health issues which prevented him from working full time, if I am remembering correctly, and another post in the thread mentioned a heart condition.

A post in this thread from another member described him well I think:

No matter what forum drama was going on, he always remained even-tempered.

I'm looking at his profile.  That reputation score says something in itself: Reputation:+3833/-398

I would expand upon Sean Johnson's excellent idea of having Matthew contact whoever alerted him about Matto and have them let his family know about this thread, as they may find comfort in knowing how much he was appreciated and respected here.  Perhaps also the text of this thread could be compiled into a file (such as a pdf) and sent to the family through Matthew's contact.  This is what funeral homes do with the online guest books they typically have on their web sites.

I saw that his last post was mid-afternoon on 11/29 and then he passed away the next day.  So it would appear to have been unexpected.

Or he chose to keep it to himself.

I have a question about the obit.  He died 11/30.  Was that when the obit was posted or was it just posted..almost 2 months later?  Did the CI member explain?

I would expand upon Sean Johnson's excellent idea of having Matthew contact whoever alerted him about Matto and have them let his family know about this thread, as they may find comfort in knowing how much he was appreciated and respected here.  Perhaps also the text of this thread could be compiled into a file (such as a pdf) and sent to the family through Matthew's contact.  This is what funeral homes do with the online guest books they typically have on their web sites.

Greetings.  I am the forum user who notified Matthew of the obituary, but I only knew Matto from online, and I don't know how to get in touch with his family.  Forum user seraphina has mentioned meeting him in person, so perhaps she might.

One thing I would caution, however, in terms of an earlier suggestion of having his family members read his posting history on this forum is that he expressed some views online that he acknowledged to me were very much at variance with his parent's beliefs.  In prudence I will just say that there are certain things which might be hurtful for them to read.

The idea of compiling the testimonies from this thread into a pdf would probably be best.  If his family cannot be contacted, then perhaps the remembrances could be sent to the funeral home to be posted on his memorial page.  I will remember him for his singular insights, his wry sense of humor, and his tender pensées on beauty and mystery.  Requiem æternam.

Thank you Roberto for reaching out to us with this sad news.
We never would have known otherwise
Hope to see you here on the CI forum.

You are welcome.  Matto was active on here for more than a decade, and he thought it the finest Catholic forum by far.  He invited me to register several years ago, though I did not contribute.  Many have already mentioned how he possessed an almost childlike outlook and manner of expression sometimes.  He was very bright, but he preferred simple piety to intellectual pomp.  I think he was the Alyosha Karamazov of this place.

Greetings.  I am the forum user who notified Matthew of the obituary, but I only knew Matto from online, and I don't know how to get in touch with his family.  Forum user seraphina has mentioned meeting him in person, so perhaps she might.

One thing I would caution, however, in terms of an earlier suggestion of having his family members read his posting history on this forum is that he expressed some views online that he acknowledged to me were very much at variance with his parent's beliefs.  In prudence I will just say that there are certain things which might be hurtful for them to read.

The idea of compiling the testimonies from this thread into a pdf would probably be best.  If his family cannot be contacted, then perhaps the remembrances could be sent to the funeral home to be posted on his memorial page.  I will remember him for his singular insights, his wry sense of humor, and his tender pensées on beauty and mystery.  Requiem æternam.

Very good advice; thank you Roberto.

🙏🙏🙏