Obituary of Matthew R. Holley

CANISTEO: Matthew R. “Matt” Holley, 36 of Tenth St. passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday, March 12, 2022. Matt was born January 9, 1986 in Hornell to Jason Holley and Lisa (Burdick) Combs. Matt attended Canisteo Central School and was a self-employed painter under the name of Holley Painting for over 15 years in the Canisteo Valley. Prior to painting he worked at Big Papa’s family Restaurant in Canisteo. Matt was loved by everyone he met. He had a heart of gold and a contagious smile and laugh that he was well known for. He loved his family and friends. Matt loved and appreciated his music and was a self-taught harmonica player who loved to “jam” with his friends and playing with some of the local bands, one being the Loud Mouth Ale. Recently Matt was practicing with a new band that he was excited to play with. He loved going to various festivals and concerts. Some of his friends from school would remember him as the “Raptor”. His favorite football team was the Washington Redskins, just like his Uncle Scott and his favorite place he loved to visit was Tahoe, where he spent a year out there discovering himself. He is survived by a daughter Nevaeh Raine of Canisteo, his mother Lisa (Ken Baker) Combs of Canisteo, two brothers, Michael Holley (Devon Dray) and Evan Holley both of Canisteo, one sister, Michelle Holley (Shawn Dickerson) of Canisteo, maternal grandmother Amy Burdick of Canisteo, an aunt, Kari (Michael) Delaney and uncle Scott (Andrea) Burdick all of Canisteo, as well as nieces Samantha Holley and Lilyian Holley. He is also survived by his father Jason (Anna) Holley of Mt. Juliet, TN, his extended family, Ashley Micglire of Canandaigua, Sara Shroyer of Canaseraga, Devon (Laken) Mullen of Deltona, FL., Lucas Towner (Erica Sawyer) of Arkport and Travis Holley of London, Ohio. His paternal grandmother Mary (Robert) Kimball of Canisteo and Robin Holley of Stokie, IL. His aunt Amber Bob of Canisteo and uncles Corey (Lumar) Bodden of Largo, FL, and Derek (Jessica) Kimball of Corning. Matt was predeceased by maternal grandfather Arthur Burdick, paternal grandfather John Holley, step-brother Mark McGregor and an uncle, Jaime Holley. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm Saturday, March 19th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo with a celebration of life to be planned at a later date. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to His daughter, Nevaeh c/o Lisa Combs 2971 County Route 119 Canisteo, NY 14823.