McCANN, Matthew Richard

Matthew “Matt” Richard McCann, passed away on 2 June 2018 in Barrie, Ontario. Matt entered this world on 4 October 1955, the 4th child of John (Jack) Jerome McCann & Edith Marcella (Clifford) McCann of St. Catharines, Ontario. He was the beloved youngest brother of Mike McCann (Sharon) of Barrington, RI, USA, Mari Jo Leon (Terry) of Toronto, Ontario and Colleen Critelli (Don) of Waterloo, Ontario. Matt leaves behind 10 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews who will forever remember the love, mentorship and individual attention he showed them. His love was modeled after the examples of his namesakes, his own uncles Monsignor Matthew Clifford and Richard McCann, and their care for him and his 29 cousins. His passing leaves a void in the lives of numerous friends and colleagues as well. Many of those friends were like family and several deserve special mention for the depth of their support of Matt especially in his final year of life: Cathy Ann Humphries, Frank & Theresa Matys, Dina Moore and Joe & Vivian Timmins.

Matt loved spending time with family especially during long weekends and the holidays. He enjoyed sitting around the dinner table with stimulating conversation about news, politics or family matters. During Matt’s career he was a dedicated teacher and principal, highly respected by co-workers, students and parents. Matt grew up in St. Catharines but accumulated a network of very close friends in Barrie. He began his career as a teacher in 1979 and worked in Catholic high schools throughout Simcoe County for 34 years. He taught abroad in Poland for two years. In 2011, Matt received the CPCO Catholic Principals Award for his dedication to Catholic education.

It is difficult to find the words to adequately describe the type of man Matt truly was. He was a man of humility and conviction deeply guided by his faith, a devoted and loving son who cared for his mother selflessly, as great a brother and brother-in-law as you could ask for, the favorite uncle of his nieces and nephews, a faithful and supportive friend, the kind of teacher everyone wants for their children and the kind of dedicated administrator you’d want leading your team. His life was an example of one that was truly well lived.

Matt’s passion was his work in Catholic education. They say a teacher affects eternity and his influence never truly ends: Matt clearly had this impact. His family has been deeply touched by the stories of the countless times Matt helped others throughout his career and as a friend, St. Mary’s parishioner and advocate for all less fortunate. The family invites friends and colleagues to share stories of their time with Matt in the condolences page online or on paper at the funeral home on Thursday.

The family would like to thank all who cared for Matt during his illness. In lieu of flowers, they kindly request donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Parish Barrie or Hospice Simcoe.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, 7 June 2018 from 2:00-7:00 PM at Steckley Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, 8 June 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie celebrated by Fr. Frank McDevitt. A private family internment will take place at a later date in St. Catharines.