Matthew Jacob Hooper, age 33, of Hawley died Saturday, November 18, 2023, at home.

Born in Honesdale, on October 2, 1990, to Richard Hooper and Elizabeth Schariest Hooper, he graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School in 2009. Matt had training as a welder like his father but found a passion in cooking and completed an intensive 600-hour program at the International Culinary Center in Manhattan, making the Dean's List.

Over the years, he worked at The Lodge at Woodloch, The Dock, and the Wallenpaupack Brewery. He was a dedicated worker and always shared his knowledge of kitchen procedures, food pairings, and the use of herbs and spices. At home he became the taste tester and tweaked his mom's recipes to perfection. Deciding on a change, Matt's last job involved working with computers and satellites, and he found great joy in the job and his co-workers. Matt had a kind and loving heart, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Along with his parents, he is survived by a brother, Richard Hooper Jr. of Bartlett, TN, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation will be held at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. In a private ceremony, Matt's ashes will be interred at the graves of his grandparents in Pine Grove Cemetery, Paupack.

A Remembrance of Matt gathering of family and friends will be held at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to the Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Rd., Honesdale, PA 18431. Matt had a love for dogs, especially corgis, and his friend Ray's dog, Mattie.