Obituary of Matthew Joshua McDonald

After a courageous and long battle with depression and crippling anxiety, the pain became unbearable and Matthew Joshua McDonald, 35, of Port Matilda, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022.

Born December 4, 1986, in Erie, he is the son of Steven William and Faith Tibbetts McDonald of Port Matilda.

In addition to his parents, he is survived and loved by a brother, Phillip McDonald, his wife Stacie, and their daughter Paisley of Saint Mary's; a sister, Carolyn (Cara) Adrien and her husband Isaac of State College; and an extended, loving family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Matthew had a quiet and compassionate presence with a deep willingness to help others in need. He had a tender heart, a quick wit, and a brilliant smile.

Matthew graduated from State College Area High School in 2005. He attended Penn Tech and was a Carpenter for many years. He also worked as a Peer Support Specialist.

Because of his passion for living like Jesus, serving others was meaningful to him. He was actively involved at Calvary Harvest Fields church in Boalsburg and devoted his time and love to members of the youth group there. He also volunteered regularly for Out of the Cold, a program for unsheltered individuals.

He was an avid fan of Penn State Sports, especially Nittany Lion Basketball. Hiking and biking in the outdoors gave him great joy. His dog Echo was his loyal companion.

Matthew will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Celebration of life will be 11 am, Friday, January 14, 2022 at Calvary Harvest Fields, 150 Harvest Fields Drive, Boalsburg, with Pastor Dan Nold officiating.

Private family burial will be in Meyers Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Out of the Cold at ootc3.networkforgood.com, or Schlow Library at schlowlibrary.org/donate.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or by visiting Facebook.