Matthew Carl Hadley, also known as “Plum” by many, 36, of Haddam, husband of Kelly (Moran) Hadley, went home to be with Jesus on September 26, 2026. In his final days, his wife, sister, and parents were together by his side, holding his hands and surrounding him with love- all while the History Channel played in the background, in true Matt fashion.

Matt was born in New Britain and was a member of the Class of 2008 at Haddam-Killingworth High School. He later earned his welding certificate from Lincoln Tech. Matt was truly a “jack of all trades,” with a natural ability to quickly learn and master anything he took on. He will be greatly missed as our family's go-to person for all things gardening, always ready with an answer to any question.

Matt had a heart for serving others and faithfully served at Vox Church as a member of the Hospitality and Security teams. He took great pride in making others feel welcome, safe, and cared for. He was a natural protector, always looking out for the people he loved and making sure that they were okay. Matt had a huge heart, not only for people but also for animals, especially his sweet girl, Charlotte, whom he adored.

Matt was a man with a personality like no other- a force of nature. He always entered the house in his baseball hat with a vibrant “HELLO!” that could be heard from every room. Intelligent, thoughtful, quirky, and quick-witted, he had a way of brightening anyone's day with his humor and jokes. Matt was funny- oh, so funny! There are countless stories and memories that could be shared. You could always count on Matt to be fully versed in the most obscure and random facts and topics, thanks in no small part to his lifelong love of reading and the History and Discovery channels. And, of course, there was always a perfectly timed SpongeBob quote- because no matter the situation, Matt always had a SpongeBob reference ready to go.

Matt loved children, and “Uncle Matt” will forever be cherished by his Ryder and Marley Josephine. He will always be their “superhero because he knows how to drive a tow truck.” Uncle Matt will continue to guide them and be Ryder’s Godfather from above in Heaven. Everyone who knew Matt also knows that he relished being a mischief-maker from time to time, a trait he happily passed on to Ryder and Marley when he taught them to throw icy snowballs at Nuna and Papa’s glass door.

Above all, Matt loved his family deeply. There was never a day when he failed to express his love for his wife, Kelly. His love for her was constant and unwavering- this was something he made sure she always knew. Matt had been a wonderful cook since childhood and loved serving his new creations to Kelly. They shared a love of Formula 1 racing, history, going to the movies, and enjoying dinners out, especially at Lenny & Joe’s. Matt and Kelly were each other's favorite travel partners, sharing many adventures and making memories wherever they went. They always found a way to squeeze in weekend getaways, especially to Maine, their “special place,” where Matt proposed to Kelly and where they made so many cherished memories together.

In addition to his wife, Kelly, Matt is survived by his parents, Jon and Tina (Morello) Hadley of Middlefield; his sister and brother-in-law, Michelle (Plum) and Derek Matthies of Rockland, MA; his beloved nephew and niece, Ryder and Marley Matthies; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Kathy Moran of Wallingford; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Matthew Moran and Maria Albini of Southington; as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, especially his lifelong best friend, Matt Brookes.

We know Matt was warmly welcomed into Heaven by Jesus, his Mamie and Papa-Relo, Papa Kent and Jamma, and so many other loved ones who had gone before him.

Lastly, a message to Matt:

On the day God gave you to me, the first thing I said when I saw you was, “he looks so peaceful.” You were the biggest joy and gift of my life when you arrived. I love you always. It will be so incredibly hard without you in this world but you are with Jesus and ALL of our family and friends in Heaven, I just know it. I will hug you again one day my darling son. For now I will miss you but I know you are always with me. Now go and cook something delicious with Papa. You are pure and at peace in Heaven my sweet Math-a-u ~ Love, Mommy.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 9, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street in Middletown, CT. Matt would want everyone to come as they are. Please don’t feel the need to wear black- come comfortably and be yourself. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 9:00 AM at Vox Church. 653 South Main Street in Middletown, followed by interment at Saint Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield.

Those wishing to honor Matt’s memory may consider making a donation to Vox Church. Donations may be made online at www.voxchurch.org. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.