Matthew “Matt” Alan Lewis, 57, peacefully passed away on September 6, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Born March 11, 1969, Matt lived a life defined by family, friendship, and service. He was one of those people who seemed to know everyone — and treated everyone like a friend. Endlessly positive, quick with a story, and always ready with one of his familiar sayings or little life lessons, he had a way of making your day better, simply by being part of it. His stories and phrases became so predictable and beloved that his radio family once made a “Matt Bingo” card out of them.
Matt was predeceased by his father, Robert Lewis. He shared his life with his loving wife, Cobi Michelle Lewis, and was immensely proud of his five children: Julia (Bradley) Steidle, Emily (Michael) Howland, Samantha (Dalton) Gosper, Jordan Lewis, and Sarah Lewis. One of his greatest joys was becoming “Grandpa” or “Papa” to: Avery (Lewis), Samson and Rowan Howland; Grayson, Ainsley and Landon Steidle; and Lucy, Brooks and Whit Gosper. Playing with his grandchildren gave Matt the perfect opportunity to remain the fun-loving person his own children had always known. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Whiting; his sister, Christine Tierno; his nephew, Joseph Kennedy; and many extended family members.
Matt worked hard throughout his life, often juggling jobs while still making time for the people and causes that mattered to him. His faith was a steady and important part of who he was. As a longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Owego, he believed deeply in caring for others and lived those beliefs quietly and consistently through his kindness, encouragement, and willingness to help. Above all, Matt devoted himself to his family, giving his children a life filled with fun, laughter, advice, and memories that only became more valuable with time.
His working years included positions with WEBO, WINR, WHWK, Schneider’s Market, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Tops Markets, and Weis Markets. Radio was a love that stayed with Matt for more than four decades, beginning in the 1980s. His voice became familiar throughout the Southern Tier through his years in broadcasting, where he spent years behind the microphone talking with local athletes, coaches, community leaders, and neighbors. He also began announcing races in 1985, lending his voice to racetracks throughout New York and Pennsylvania, including Tioga Speedway, Shangra La 1 & 2, Skyline, Thunder Mountain, Five Mile Point, Penn Cann Speedway, Afton Motor Sports Park, and Chemung Speedrome.
Matt’s lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts of America began as a youth in 1974 and continued as he became a Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Scoutmaster. He loved being outdoors, but even more, he loved helping young people learn, grow, and have fun. As a Scoutmaster with Troop 60, he grew the troop from just five boys to more than 100 registered Scouts. He also served with Pack 208, giving countless hours to the families in his community.
Matt spent decades using his voice to celebrate others and tell their stories. Along the way, he became part of the story of Owego and the surrounding community himself. He was known by seemingly everyone and a friend to all, but to those closest to him, he was simply Matt, Dad, and PaPa.
His was a simple life, but an extraordinarily full one. And for a family and community that knew his voice so well, the world will sound a little quieter without him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-Day Saints, 430 Montrose Turnpike, Owego, NY. Private burial will be in the New Bern Memorial Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina. The family will receive friends Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Owego, NY. For those wishing to support Matt’s family during this difficult time, contributions may be made through the family’s GoFundMe.
