Matthew David Hunt

Matthew David Hunt

Matthew David “Matt,” Matty,” “Mateo,” “Lunchbox,” “Biff,” Hunt, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 19, 2021, at the age of 33. Born on Feb. 25, 1988, in Denver, CO, he was the youngest son and seventh of eight children of John and Diana Hunt, of Albuquerque, NM.

Beloved son, brother, uncle, boss, cousin, friend, employee and co-worker, he leaves behind countless people who would do anything for him, just as he would have done for them.

He was many things to many people, but no matter the relation, he was impossible not to love. From his ability to laugh when you told a stupid joke, his love when you were breaking down, to his excitement at anything you shared with him, he was the best friend everyone needed.

You may have seen him at the park. He was an incredible soccer player, a natural on the field. When others had to spend hours practicing, Matt just knew the ball like it was second nature. He was an amazing goalkeeper, playing for the Albuquerque Rapids in his teen years and saving games that others thought were lost. He never let his team down.

You may have seen him at the former Paul’s Monterey Inn, where he got his start in the restaurant industry and was loved by regulars and staff.

You may have seen him at Route 66 Diner, where he was a dedicated employee. Whether as a soda jerk, a server, cook or manager, he gave it everything. He had a reputation for being genuine, kind and hardworking. He was also the guy you wanted dealing with an unruly customer or a degenerate off the street causing trouble, because he had a way with people.

You may have seen him at a concert, rocking out and getting lost in the music. He would travel across states if it was for one of his favorite bands such as Volbeat, Rammstein, or Muse, but he would also travel across states if it was your favorite band, just to be there for you. Anyone who knew Matty knew that music was his way to communicate. He loved music and regardless of genre, he always knew the right song or band to play to suit your mood, whether it was a bad day or a good day, or something else entirely. 

You may have seen him walking his beloved dogs, Mu and Corvo, who desperately want to lick his face one more time. Even if he was struggling, he always made sure his babies were taken care of. He always put his princess Mu and her “baby” brother, Corvo, first.

You may have seen him at Joe’s, where he’d buy you a shot and a beer before destroying you at pool, air hockey or darts. Soccer wasn’t his only natural talent, he mastered ping-pong as well as any other game thrown his way, and yet, he remained humble.

He wouldn’t call himself smart, but few could match his ability to empathize, relate to, and when needed, call you out. He was the kind of person you went to when you needed acceptance, or a reality check. Whatever you needed, he could be that for you, and he wanted to be. He was always ready and willing to take care of you, regardless of what he was going through. Even if you weren’t the closest, that never mattered to him. He loved to help people, even when it meant putting his life on hold. If you needed anything, his response was either literally or in spirit: “As you wish.”

He was a fan of Manchester United, loved video games, and was quick with a joke or a light of your smoke. His taste was so versatile, from “Princess Bride” to “Grandma’s Boy,” he had a reference for everything and everyone.

In addition to Mu and Corvo, and John and Diana, Matt is survived by his siblings and their spouses: sister Cheryl Lemley and fiancé Dan Stevens, of Albuquerque; sister Michelle Hall, of Albuquerque; sister Danita DeSimone and husband Eric, of Rio Rancho; sister Lois Silva and husband Antonio, of Rio Rancho; brother Mark Hunt and wife Luella, of Albuquerque; brother Jeremy Hunt, of Harrisonburg, VA; sister Janelle Golden and husband Erik, of Albuquerque; nieces and nephews and their spouses: niece Danita Marvin and husband Cody, of Albuquerque; niece Rachel Lemley, of Phoenix, AZ; nephew Daniel Lemley, of Albuquerque; niece Mali Hall, of Albuquerque; niece Zidhara Hall, of Albuquerque; nephew Anthony DeSimone, of Albuquerque; nephew Andrew DeSimone, of Albuquerque; nephew Ethan DeSimone, of Rio Rancho; niece Ashlyn Tucker, of San Diego, CA; niece Audrey Silva, of Rio Rancho; nephew Marcos Silva, of Rio Rancho; niece June Hunt, of Albuquerque; and great-niece and great-nephew: Ryan and Oliver Marvin, of Albuquerque.

Services are with Daniels Family Funeral Home in Albuquerque and are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. He will be interred at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho. We appreciate everyone who would have attended to honor our beloved Matthew and support our family. Since we cannot have everyone who would like to be there, we would love to hear your thoughts and memories either on this memorial page or at the remembrance page we have on Facebook, where you can also share pictures of Matty: https://www.facebook.com/groups/434632774505510

“He’s not really dead. As long as we find a way to remember him.”

Remember him for who he was: A loveable goofball, strong leader and Mr. In Your Corner with a heart of gold who was taken from us too soon.