MERRIMAC - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Catlett, loving father, brother and uncle.

Matthew was a longtime resident of Merrimac, MA. Matthew was born and raised in Lawrence, MA. Attended Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Northern Essex Community College. Matthew passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, July 24, 2015 at Kindred Hospital in Peabody, MA surrounded by his family.

Matthew was predeceased by his mother, Lula Mae Ballenger, who passed away in 2008. He leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Rommie and Ella Catlett, and sister, Joan Henry; his five daughters and son-in-law, Derrick & Matty Mack, Ezreala Catlett, Temria Catlett, Halim Catlett, and Misha Aubrey; as well as a legacy of 26 grandchildren.

In his prime, Matthew was a well-known local boxer and black-belt karate instructor. He loved to fish and cook, and was a passionate Alcoholics Anonymous Counselor. In his latter years, he battled health issues which ultimately ended his life much too short. Matthew will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends.

Memorial Service will be held in his memory on Thursday, August 6, 2015, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, in Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill.

Contributions may be made in Matthew's memory to Larche Irenicon, PO Box 1177, Haverhill, MA, 01831.