Matthew Anthony Spina

Matthew Anthony Spina, age 37, of Lebanon Twp., NJ, passed away in his home on Thursday, April 23, 2026. 

Matthew was born on August 15, 1988, in Englewood, NJ, to Daniel G. and Carol Ann (Cunningham) Spina. He grew up in Far Hills, NJ, and he has resided in Califon, NJ since 2019. 

Matthew was the beloved husband of Kimberly Rose Ezyske Spina. Married in 2022, they celebrated 4 blessed years of marriage. It was evident to all those around the couple that they were absolute soulmates. 

Matthew attended Ridge High School, where he was a celebrated athlete. He wrestled, played football, and was voted captain of the football team by his teammates. After graduating from Ridge High in 2006, he proceeded to attend and graduate from The French Culinary Institute in New York City. After a long, successful career in the culinary industry, he was most recently flourishing in sales.

Whenever Matthew came across anyone in need of assistance, he would not hesitate to lend a hand, truly exemplifying a life of service. Matthew has always been extremely focused on supporting his community. He was deeply dedicated to Alcoholics Anonymous, consistently attending meetings, organizing men’s support sessions, and often inspiring others as a keynote speaker. When he lived in Chicago, he flew back to New Jersey during Superstorm Sandy to provide food, fuel, and donated goods to the hardest hit communities in the area. He also flew to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild the city, and aid people he never met. Matthew had a heart of gold, and it was most evident by his desire to assist those in need. 

Matthew was a fantastic chef, bringing family and friends together over perfectly cooked meals, especially during Christmas time or family reunions. He always looked forward to having poker nights, or participating in charity poker events with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman, and quite an impressive angler. He cherished spending time with his family, playing board games with loved ones, golfing, and baking sourdough bread.

Matthew was larger than life, filling the world with love via his affection, quick wit, and contagious laugh. Matthew fiercely loved his family and friends, and he was equally loved in return. Matthew was a man of strong faith, and his life reflected that.

There are not enough words to properly encapsulate this great, great man. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a role model, and our hero. He will truly, truly be missed.

In addition to his loving wife and parents, Matthew is survived by his siblings: Christopher Spina; Danielle Spina and her husband, Daniel McKiernan; and Sean Spina. His grandmothers, Phyllis Cunningham and Emilia Spina. His beloved dog, Cooper. Many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by his Father-in-law, Jerry Ezyske; his Sister-in-law, Dawn Pascale and her children; Gavin, Juliana and Nicole.  

Matthew is predeceased by his daughter, Riley Kimball Spina; his grandfathers, Antonio B. Spina and Thomas Cunningham Jr.; his Mother-in-law, Georgette Ezyske; and his Brother-in-law, Bryan Pascale.

Visitation will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 3-7pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main St., Lebanon, NJ. Funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 10am at St. John Neumann Church, 398 County Rd. 513, Califon, NJ. Interment will follow at Lower Valley Cemetery in Califon, NJ. 

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