Matthew David Auker, of Altamonte Springs, FL, passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2022, at the age of 64. He was born on April 8, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, and was adopted by William and Delores Auker at 5 months old. He was raised in Lynden, MI and was a thoughtful and loving son who was always loved in the community. Together with his younger sister, Amy, and his parents, the family made a move to South Florida in 1972. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1976 and was voted “Most Outstanding” by his peers. He received a football scholarship to Davidson College where he played 4 years and graduated with a degree in Economics in 1980. Following graduation, Matt began a career at Porter Paints in South Florida. In 1983, he met Nina Lamanno and the two wed in 1985. Matt and Nina raised a daughter, Amanda (Mandy), and a son, Tyler, who both still reside in Florida.
In 1998, Matt was relocated with the family up to Louisville, Kentucky. After a few years in Louisville, Matt decided to make the move back to Orlando and bought a Comfort Keepers franchise together with Nina. Comfort Keepers is a senior in-home care company that Matt had owned and operated very successfully since 2001.
Following his wife Nina’s passing in 2013, Matt was fortunate enough to have both of his children live with him for an extended period of time after their graduations from college before meeting Allison (Allie) Forst. Matt and Allie wed in 2016 and had been happily married since. Tyler and Mandy as well as Allison’s two children, Madeline (Maddie) and Ian, and all of their spouses were one large melting pot who loved celebrating the holidays and big life events at their Altamonte Springs home.
His faith was extremely important to him, and he always gave his time and talent to St. Mary Magdalen Church and School. Matt was recently elected as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus which was a great honor to him. He was always loyal to his Alma mater, Davidson University and was an avid sports fan supporting Mandy & Tyler’s schools, UCF and UF, as well as attending Bishop Moore sporting events every chance he got.
Matt was a good man and with a kind soul. He had a passion for reading, woodworking, and traveling. He was the most thoughtful, loving, and likable person around. Matt was well known for his friendliness and never hesitated to let people know that he loved them. People gravitated towards him and always bellied up to his bar where he had a passion for making Dirty Martinis and 7&7’s. Matt’s professional and personal networks intertwined because regardless of how you knew him, you couldn’t help but consider him a friend. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. His truest passion was hanging out with his family and friends.
Matt was a natural caregiver as he showed to all of us by the love and devotion he gave to his late wife Nina and his children Mandy and Tyler. He was so very proud of Mandy’s & Tyler’s strength, courage and accomplishments. Being a grandpa also came naturally to Matt. He had three beautiful grandchildren: Bennett James, Evelyn Nina, and Brooks Shayne that he adored and loved with all of his heart & soul. He never hesitated to comfort a fussy baby or get on the floor and army crawl with them. He was a kid at heart and his children adored him along with all the other children of his close friends.
The connection that brought Matt and Allie together was divine in nature and their large, blended family was a gift to each of them. Combined, their four children, Mandy, Tyler, Maddie and Ian held Matt in the highest esteem and loved him with all their hearts.
He always gave you a smile and had something nice to say to make your day! It was often said that Matt never met a stranger. He will be missed deeply for his big heart, his laugh, his empathy & compassion, his faith and his loyalty.
Matt’s Visitation will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Ave,
Maitland, FL. 32751 on July 28, 2022, from 6-8pm. Matt’s Celebration of Life Mass will take
place at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL. 32701 on July 29, 2022 at 10am.