Matthew Arasin

Matthew Arasin, 50, a lifelong resident of Cranford, died Wednesday February 20, 2013, at his residence. Matthew's Life Celebration will be 4:00-8:00PM Monday February 25th, at Gray Funeral Directors, 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford (go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30AM Tuesday February 26, 2013, in The Church of St. Anne, 325 Second Avenue, Garwood. Matthew worked as a carpenter for the Town of Westfield Board of Education, for the past 19 years. He was currently serving as President of the Westfield Support Staff Association (WSSA), which represented the board's Maintenance Department. A graduate of Cranford High School's Class of 1981, Matt enjoyed hiking through our national and state parks. He was an avid Mets and Giants Fan, and liked a good cup of coffee. He was the beloved son of the late Peter and Eleanor Arasin, and was predeceased by his beloved dog Calli. Matthew is survived by his siblings: Susan Ishiyama (Toru), Joseph Arasin (Rachel), Margaret Coppinger (Michael Metzger), Maureen Leitner (Philip), Donna Arasin (James Price), nieces and nephew: Dana, Collette, Chelsea (his Goddaughter), William, Anne, and Laura. Memorial contributions are kindly requested to the Lakota Wolf Preserve, www.lakotawolf.com, or to the Full Moon Farm, a wolfdog sanctuary, www.fullmoonfarm.org. Matt will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.