Matt Masso

Matthew Jared Masso
February 19, 1989 – February 12, 2019

I was born on February 19, 1989, in Lubbock – I meant to do that! My dad, Edward Masso, is a realtor at Century 21, Beal; my mom, Gloria Masso, works in higher education in the Office of Admissions at Texas A&M; my sister Amber is three years older than me and works for the Terry Foundation in Houston.
We lived in Brownfield, just south of Lubbock, until I was about five, and then we moved to College Station. Growing up, I was pretty outgoing, so I made good friends easily (still do!). As a 90s kid, I lived on Pokémon, DragonBall Z, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nicktoons, Goosebumps, The Simpsons, Power Rangers, and South Park. I still love that stuff, and as an adult have a pretty substantial collection of VHS tapes, DVDs, and other memorabilia.

I went through school in College Station. When I was in middle school, I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It kept me from playing any team sports, but it couldn’t diminish my love of art and music. I was in marching band and taught myself how to play guitar. Those lucky enough to hear me sing knew I was pretty good at that too! After I graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 2007, I went to Blinn as a general studies major and played guitar for a local thrash metal band, Primal.

I worked as a bartender at various bars in Northgate and in Downtown Bryan, which was great because a lot of regulars, friends, and fellow musicians would stop by to see me. I also mentored many others. I liked teaching, motivating, and always trying new things. Mixology was a strength because I liked to be innovative – you gotta try my signature “Drew Brees” shot. I enjoyed being part of hospitality services and thought about going on to culinary school.

It was important to me to be a really good friend- no strings attached. I was fiercely loyal, and my friends knew I had their backs and would help out whenever I could. They knew where they stood with me, and I encouraged them to challenge themselves and to always stay optimistic. I was known to put my all into every hug I gave, and anyone important to my friends was important to me.

Life is meant to be lived and - yes, gawd! - I enjoyed it. My friends and family can tell you I was known for my strong work ethic, but I also had a good time. I didn’t really box myself in; I liked things to be a good, eclectic mixture. We took some “schweeet” trips together to California, Vegas and New Orleans, and we crossed the country to watch our favorite bands play live. I loved hockey and professional football (Geaux Saints!) and enjoyed a good movie. Rock music, especially metal, was a huge part of my life. I was also an Anime aficionado and had many philosophical conversations and debates with anyone who would participate. By the way, I could find a television or movie quote to fit just about any situation life threw at me. Don’t even try to match me, “Donny, you’re out of your element!”

I was really proud of my Hispanic and Middle Eastern heritage, and I loved eating delicious Lebanese food! I enjoyed the finer things in life, like a good cigar, craft beer, Mountain Dew Baja Blast, and tall glass of Mio with a splash of water. Gummy worms, jelly beans, and Terry’s chocolate oranges were my not-at-all-guilty pleasures. Of course, spending time with my family and friends was always a priority. I loved to laugh, and my laugh in its full-bodied glory was enough to get everyone else going!

I am leaving behind my sister Amber D’nea Masso, my parents Edward and Gloria Masso, my maternal grandmother Mary Lou Horton, and a lot of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends from school, my days as a musician, and my profession as a bartender. The following relatives greeted me on the other side: my grandparents, Joe and Claire Masso and Don Horton; my aunt and uncle, Sharon Watson and Jerry Don Horton, and my beloved cousins, Matthew Mauldin and Stacy Horton Sanchez. Andy was waiting for me to wrestle with him.

My friends and family would like to thank the gracious and dedicated staff of the Intensive Care Unit at College Station Medical Center. Instead of flowers, I’d like you to consider making a donation in my name to the Señora Stacy Horton Sanchez Scholarship Fund, the Aggieland Humane Society, or the American Red Cross.

Finally, love and take care of each other, don’t leave things unsaid, and turn up the volume whenever you can.
My family has planned a Celebration of Life ceremony on my birthday, Tuesday, February 19, 2019, from 5-9 pm at Hillier Funeral Home of College Station. A reception will be held from 5-7pm; Memory Share Tribute Ceremony will begin at 7 pm. After that, there will be an afterparty at Logies on Northgate. The Memory Share will be a great time to get up and share some rockin’ memories.

Although I knew how to look sharp, I was most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a band t-shirt. I don’t want this to be an overly formal occasion, so please dress casually and comfortably.
Check out my tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com and leave a note, pic, or video.