Obituary of Matthew T. Mentz

Prattsburgh – Matthew T. Mentz, 55 years of age, passed away Monday afternoon February 5, 2018 at his home in Prattsburgh.

Matthew was born February 2, 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Larry and Phyllis (Modzelewski) Mentz.  He grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Lake Catholic High School in 1981.  While in high school he played both football and rugby. Matthew then attended both Ohio State University and Michigan University.  While at Ohio State, he was number 43 on the football team.  Most recently, Matthew was employed as a team leader at Tractor Supply in Bath.  For many many years, Matthew trained field trial hunting dogs.  His dog Seneca Autumn Reign “Pony” achieved Grand National Grouse Champion. 

Matthew and his wife Brenda (Callahan) have been together for almost thirty years. They have resided in Prattsburgh most of their time together.  Matthews’s joys of his life are his grandchildren. Any adventure with them and any time spent with them was what he lived for.  He was the “best babysitter in town!!”

Matthew is survived by his wife, Brenda Mentz of Prattsburgh; his son Brandon Acor (Billie Jo Ellison) of Hornell; his step-son Philip VanAmburg (Dawn) of Branchport; his grandchildren, Hunter, Mason, Avery and Jemma; his father Larry (Pam) Mentz of S. Dansville; his mother, Phyllis (Gary) Hester of OH; his sister, Heide Mentz (Jim Morris) of OH; his sister and brothers in law, Barb Smith (Glenn Smith) of Springwater, Pete Callahan of Palmyra and Beverly (George) Johnson of Springwater; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A celebration of Matthew’s life will take place at 2pm Saturday February 17, 2018 at the Prattsburgh Fire Department, 15 Allis St, Prattsburgh, NY 14873.  As a way of giving back to the community, Matthew’s grandson has chosen the Prattsburgh Fire Department as a charity to donate to in his memory.  Matthew and his family have been assisted by the St. George-Stanton Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland.