Obituary of Mathew J. Bortree

Mathew J. Bortree, age 35, of Greeley died Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at home. Mr. Bortree was born December 10, 1976 in Port Jervis, NY and was the son of Girard and Katherine (Rosencrance) Bortree. Mat earned a bachelor's of science degree from Marywood University and was on the dean's list several semesters receiving the Environmental Excellence Award at graduation in 2002. He was the 1990 poster child for Tall Cedars of Lebanon and was an outstanding fundraising of MDA for channel 16, raising over $35,000. He was one of the first channel 16 weather men. He was a 1995 graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School and was a band member for 6 years, playing the bass drum even from his wheel chair, receiving the Senior Band Fine Arts Award on June 1, 1995. Mat played baseball for the Hawks little league. His love for sports included the NY Giants, NY Mets, NY Rangers and race car driver, Dale Earnhardt and Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. He loved reading Stephen King novels, going to the movies, playing video games with his two best friends, helping Mom with the computer and Ipad and Dad with the dvr and programming the tv. He loved to party at Cricket Hill Golf Club, Chic's Cozy Corner and most of all the Bellmont Hunting Club. In the summer he loved hanging out at the family cabin and beach on Roddick Lake Bouchette in Canada. Mat loved his dogs, Copper, Lady, Missy and Lucy. A Tribute To Mathew John Bortree There is no tree like a Bortree, especially when it came to Mathew John Bortree. He had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up the world. He was a friend to many and a foe to none. When you would ask anyone about, Mathew John, they would first smile, and then reflect back on the man and his unique qualities. His limbs may have been weak, but his mind and body were strong. He never showed pain or complained. Those who knew him were fortunate. For there will never be another MATHEW JOHN BORTREE. He is survived by his parents, Jerry & Kathy Bortree of Greeley, PA; uncle, Ross Rosencrance of Greeley, PA; Uncles & Aunts, Bob & Ann Bortree of VT; Mike & Jennifer Bortree of Greentown, PA; Aunts & Uncles, Mary & Flip Kellerman of Hawley, PA; Patti & Mark Williams of Paupack, PA; Debbie Hawk of Hawley; His lovable cousins: Heather Chambers, Jennifer Brill, Loren Kemp, Jace Williams, Jessica Williams, Christopher and Johnathon Bortree, Cole Bortree, Dawn Nemac, Leslie Swingle, Danielle Newton, Ross and Ryan Rosencrance and their husbands, wives, fiances and their children; Best Friends, Matthew Dodson & Jimmy Miller. Calling hours will be Monday, September 3rd, 2012 from 1 to 5 PM at Greeley Volunteer Fire House in Greeley, PA, with a memorial service at 2 PM with Brother Liam Featherstone officiating. Cremation will be at Lake Region Crematory in Lake Ariel. Memorials may be made to Greeley Vol. Fire Dept or Pike County Humane Society, PO Box 255, Milford, PA, 18337.