College mourns death of adult student
March 10, 2010
Mercyhurst College mourns the death of a student, Matthew J. Weber. Weber, 27, of Erie died at his campus apartment on Friday, Feb.19, 2010.
Weber was an adult graphic design student who graduated from Mercyhurst Preparatory School in 2001. According to his obituary on GoErie.com, Weber loved hiking and the outdoors, music and boating on Lake Erie.
The Erie County Coroner’s office said the official cause of death would not be known for several weeks, but no foul play is suspected.
Mercyhurst College President Thomas Gamble said,
“I remember Matt as an enthusiastic and charming young man with a ready smile and a generous spirit. Matt loved his friends, his family, music and art. My thoughts and prayers and those of the entire Mercyhurst community are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Weber’s friends and family attended a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. A private burial followed the Mass at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
More than 60 of Weber’s friends have posted on his Facebook wall since his death. In addition, friends, family and acquaintances posted over 110 comments on his online obituary’s guest book, offering prayers and condolences to his parents. One of Weber’s professors commented, “(Matt) was a gentle but exuberant soul and will be greatly missed.”
A friend from Erie posted, “Matt was a great friend to anyone he came in contact with…. He genuinely touched my heart, and it was a pleasure knowing your son. He brought out the best in people, and had such a good heart. He will be sadly missed by many.”
Memorials may be made to the Maria House, c/o Fr. James Peterson, 1218 French St., Erie, PA 16501, or to Mercyhurst College, 501 East 38th St., Erie, PA 16546.