Matthew Wiley Sullivan, Jr.

Matthew Wiley Sullivan, Jr., age 36, passed away on October 1, 2020 in Eureka, CA from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. He was riding his bike and on his way home from work when he was hit by an oncoming truck. Matty was born to Wendy L. Manning and Matthew W. Sullivan, Sr. in January 1984 in Los Angeles, CA. Matty grew up in Visalia, CA with his mother, stepfather, brothers and sister. He had a happy childhood filled with sports, music, Madden Football, wrestling with siblings, and spending time with his friends. He also spent many happy days with his father, stepmother, brother and sister. He enjoyed all their many travels together and loved Los Angeles. At age 20, he and Aubree (Rouch) Schletewitz welcomed their beautiful daughter Averee into the world. He adored her and she was the light in his beautiful grey/green eyes. Throughout the good and the bad times in Matty's shortened life, he remained determined to live a life he and his family could be proud of. Matty received his AA degree in 2019, along with an Apprenticeship Certificate in Welding and Blueprint Reading. He had found a renewed sense of life and was working hard to pursue his dreams. Matty had a love and thirst for knowledge. He loved philosophy, history, poetry, music, and of course sports! He was full of life and looking forward to the future. He is remembered by all as a man with a heart of gold, an incredible sense of humor, intelligent, charismatic, with an incredible smile that lit up the room! Matty was a precious gift to his family and will forever live in their hearts. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Laura A. Souza, paternal grandparents James P. and Mary Claire Sullivan, great grandparents Otto and Morene Durham, Irwin and Frances Wiley, John J. and Anna Sullivan, and his Aunt Mary Fran Merwin. He is survived by his daughter, Averee, parents, Wendy L. Manning, Matthew W. Sullivan, Sr., John B. Manning and Lisa Hulac Sullivan, siblings John Manning, Justin Manning, Henry Sullivan, Shelby Manning and Georgia Sullivan, paternal grandfather John M. Souza, IV, numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel on Sunday, October 11, 2020, located at 127 E. Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA from 2 -3 pm. Following the service the Manning's, invite everyone to their residence at 2211 N Thomas Ct., Visalia, CA between 3:30 - 5:30 pm. This will be an informal open house to celebrate Matty's beautiful life. Due to COVID-19, please remain at home if you are experiencing any symptoms. A webcam service will also be provided through Salser & Dillard. In lieu of gifts or flowers, a memorial fund has been created for his daughter, Averee Sullivan. Please use the link below for any donations. https://gf.me/u/y3xmci

Matthew Wiley Sullivan, Jr.

January 31, 1984 - October 1, 2020