Sharon, VT- Matthew Frank Cardillo, Matty, Matt, or “Hippie” for some; beloved husband, cherished dad, grandfather, brother, and friend to all, joined predeceased family members in the heavens on March 6th, 2026 after a courageous and well fought two-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Matt was the life of any party, and his positive energy and passion for creating a better humanity made him almost super-human. His recognizable long hair, beard, and hexagon glasses showed his character. Often seen wearing a “tag on his hat/clothes” just to keep people wondering, and a smile on everyone’s face.

Born in 1949 in Brooklyn,NY to a hard-working Italian family. His father, Frank, was a manager for Prudential Grace shipping lines, and his mother, Eleanor (Cornero), took care of the kids. Matt had three siblings: Marianne (Muggenburg), Leo, and Robert (Bobby). They moved to Haworth, NJ in the 50’s where he would start his journey on becoming the most reliable, and fun-loving friend.

He moved to Vermont in 1974 after attending Lafayette College. In partnership with a group of friends known as “the Bologney Brothers and Sisters”, he bought land and reclaimed an old barn to start a local commune in Sharon known as “The Land”. Matt lived in the “big house” and others of the Bologney’s built houses on the acres behind. He met his (then) partner, Jill, and in 1980 their daughter, Bonny, was born in the back room of the big house on a warm October eve.

The Land was famous for its unique architecture and location alongside Beaver Meadow Road. Dubbed the “hippie high-rise”, Matt spent 45+ years building it the way he envisioned. He spent the past four (two while in treatment) building the greenhouse and finishing the main living area. His refined carpentry work on his house and hundreds of others, gave him a reputation as a meticulous, hardworking, honest and beautiful craftsman.

Matt worked at the Post Office for 27+ years, where he met Evelyn while sorting mail. They started dating in 1989, and in 2020 he finally popped the question. They were married September of 2020 during the pandemic. Matt always had a flair for doing what he wanted when he wanted, but he shared that was one of the best decisions he made.

Matt had a huge following of fans and friends throughout the Upper Valley and across the Northeast. He deeply valued the time he spent throughout his life connecting with those he loved. After high-school he kept in touch with many of his friends from Haworth. Getting together for “Artstock” was a summer tradition that kept his connections strong, and the memories going.

Matt had a LOT of hobbies and took every opportunity to live his life to the fullest.

Skiing was a favorite winter activity since learning to ski at 18. Matt would not miss an opportunity to get the first run at Mad River Glenn where he was a shareholder since the 90’s. Some of his go-to stories came from adventures with friends at Mad and other New England peaks. Golf was another love of his. For the last 20 years, Men’s league at Morey was high on Matt’s summer priorities list. Despite having stage 4 cancer, and often having just been treated with Chemo, he would still show up almost Thursday to play.

For the past 16+ years, music took center stage. Attending 3-4 jams weekly he felt himself come alive. During the past two years he was convinced that music, cold showers, and staying active extended his life.

In 2017 he became a proud grandfather with the birth of Lolita, and then again three years later with the arrival of her brother, Monte. The role of “best friend and Dad” transitioned to the “best grandpa”, and he lived for it. He was quick to become a kid again and wasn’t afraid to go sledding down the big hill at the house or get everyone in the pond. His grandkids will look back on his fun-loving spirit and all the love he gave.

May he be remembered for all the connections he had, joy he brought, goods he sold, work he did, and music he made. He lived his life to the fullest, and we should all live like Matty did.

Matt leaves his wife Evelyn, daughter Bonny (Garnet) Smith, grandchildren, Lolita and Monte, and Brother Bob (Denise), cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, step-children and step-grandchildren, and numerous friends. He will be loved and missed deeply.

A celebration of life party will be held on May 9th at the Gobielle Barn details to follow.

-”Pop the Doodle” and “bye for now…” Matt