Obituary of Matthew W Foley

Matthew Wicks Foley, aged 52, a longtime resident of Bancroft Neurohealth, died peacefully, March 10 after a brief stay at the Inspira Elmer Hospital, NJ. Admitted for a case of pneumonia, Matthew had been diagnosed one year ago with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Matthew was born in 1961, the son of Joan and Edward Foley, since deceased. He is the brother of Jake and his wife Suki, of Berkeley, California and Kim and his wife Noel of Morristown, NJ. Matt is survived by his nieces and nephews, Christopher, Kate, Jamie (Carolyn), Ryan (Emily), and Kathryn (Michael) Rafferty. Matt is great uncle to Francesca, Malu, Caitlyn, Charles, and Teddy Foley and Aidan and Ryan Rafferty. Matt became a part of the Bancroft Community in 1970. He lived in several group homes. He was a happy and active participant of the vocational program at the Jacob Center. Always at Matt’s side was the wonderful staff that devoted their time and energy to him in a warm and loving manner. When not serving Meals on Wheels, Matthew could be found enjoying day trips to the many sights in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas. Matthew traveled extensively with his parents with frequent visits to his Mother’s home state of Hawaii. Recent excursions included a birthday celebration for his sister in-law Noel, in Jamaica with 34 family members. Matt loved cars of all makes and models with a special affinity for Mercedes Benz and Chevrolets. He could spot and name every license plate from 300 yards. Matt spent the last year at the Lakeside Community in Mullica Hill. Living in a handicapped facility he was able to enjoy the company of many of Lakeside’s wonderful staff. All saw to his every need with a level of dignity and love that is unrivaled anywhere. All the while Matt suffered from the cruel ravages of ALS. Matt showed us a side of life that few witness. All of his family holds a special memory of one of his funny questions or one of his happy outbursts in things that pleased him. We will miss him enormously. A private funeral will be held at a future date after which he will be laid to rest at the New Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the Foley family kindly requests memorial donations are made to Bancroft. Please indicate "In Memory of Matt Foley" with your donation and mail to: Bancroft Development Department 800 North Kings Highway, Suite 305 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or online http://bit.ly/BancroftMemorialGift