Matt Napora ~ Class of 1972


Matthew Darrel Napora
June 16, 1954 - February 24, 2003

Matthew Darrel Napora, 48, passed away Monday, February 24, 2003, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. His death was the result of a sudden, unexplained onset of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Matt was born in Richland, Washington, on June 16, 1954. He spent his childhood in Richland; graduated from Richland's Columbia High School; attended and graduated from Washington State University in Pullman.

He owned his own successful venture capital firm for several years, then returned to Richland and joined the staff of the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee (CAC) as their finance officer. He later became the Benton County Chief Deputy Treasurer. His current work was as Chief Financial Officer of Ochoa, Inc.

Matthew was a highly intelligent man, warm and vibrant, who loved his daughter, Leslie; his wife, Karen; his dad, Matt, and all his family and friends. Matt lived life to the fullest; enjoying the outdoors, camping, skiing, kayaking, remodeling his homes and cabin, traveling, playing pinochle, family gatherings and good wine.

Matt's proudest life moments were the birth of his daughter, Leslie; his joy in her accomplishments and the later addition of daughters Mindy and Tammy who brought precious grandchildren into his family circle. Matt was proud to serve several years on the CAC Board as their treasurer. He also took great pride in his part in the progress and financial growth he helped the Ochoa firm achieve.

The love, enthusiasm and fun Matt brought to our lives will be sorely missed by all: his wife, Karen; daughters Leslie, Mindy and Tammy; grandchildren Tim, Alex, Nathan, and Katie; father, Matthew H. Napora; sisters and brothers Shari Napora Bennett, Darlene Napora Shuley, Steve Schneider and Tom Roller, and their families; and the friends and co-workers who shared Matt's life.

A memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. Einan's Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Division of Pulmonary Interstitial Lung Disease Research, UW Medical Center, c/o Thea Spaulding, P.O. Box 356522, Seattle, WA 98195.