Matthew James Dillon, 21, of Bedford, NH, died August 27, 2016.

Born in Manchester, NH, on September 8, 1994. Son of Michael and Carol (Smith) Dillon. Grandson of the late Betty (Memes) and James Smith and Mary Dillon (Nana) and the late Robert E. Dillon.

Matthew leaves behind his nana, parents, sister, Megan and her fiance Patrick Roach of Jamaica Plain, MA; and brother, Patrick and girlfriend Julie Sandschafer of Chicago, IL. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Matthew was known for his genuine smile, endless optimism and his ability to make friends out of everyone he met. He was endlessly interested in the world around him and he never shied away from a challenge or new adventure. Matthew loved to travel and he explored three continents and many foreign cultures in his time. His positive outlook and easygoing attitude brought peace and warmth to the world around him. His earnest, goofy demeanor brought smiles to all those he touched.

Matthew graduated from Bedford High School in 2012, where he was an athlete and musician. Matthew was proud to be a part of the Bedford High School lacrosse team where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 19-0 season during his senior year. He played football, and contributed to a winning football program’s early years. He was an avid skier, and was particularly fond of the trails of Sugarbush, VT. Matthew was also a talented musician, and created music from an early age. He was a songwriter, and his band competed in Bedford High School’s Battle of the Bands. His love of music would carry on throughout his life, from his hometown of Bedford to the cobblestone streets of Rome, Italy.

Matthew enrolled at Emmanuel College in the fall of 2012, where he studied Political Science and Economics. He was an avid athlete and beloved teammate on the Saints Lacrosse team, where he wore the number 39 and was a member of three-time GNAC Conference Championship teams (2014, 2015, 2016). Academically, Matthew was also an active member of the Emmanuel College Model United Nations team, for which he competed at conferences against the likes of Harvard, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania. In the spring of 2016, Matthew became the youngest Dillon sibling to graduate from Emmanuel College, earning his Bachelor of Arts in political science and minor in economics.

Matthew’s life cannot not be measured by its length, but rather by the fullness of his experiences, and the countless lives that he made better. Matthew was an athlete, a musician, a scholar and world traveler. He was a devoted son, a loving brother, a cheerful cousin, a kind nephew and a loyal friend. He was an unceasing source of fun, pride, and joy to those who knew him, and he will be missed by all.

Arrangements: Matthew’s wake will be held from 4-8pm on Friday, Sept. 2 at the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue Manchester, NH. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 10:00A.M. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Rd., Bedford, NH. Matthew will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hersey St., Hingham, MA on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 1:00P.M. In lieu of flowers, the Dillon family respectfully asks you to consider donating to the Matthew James Dillon Scholarship Fund at Emmanuel College (Designation: Matthew James Dillon Fund). Donations can be made online at alumni.emmanuel.edu/make-a-gift or via check to Office of Development, Emmanuel College, 400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.phaneuf.net.