Matthew Bartrom (Charlotte)

Matthew Jay Bartrom passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Charlotte, Michigan at the age of 39.

Matthew was born on January 9, 1984, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Mary (Olson) Witherspoon and Howard Bartrom. In his youth, Matthew was an avid soccer player and talented musician, playing guitar, saxophone, and piano. He spent several summers attending YMCA Camp Eberhart in Three Rivers, Michigan, where he became a skilled sailor, and is remembered by his fellow campers and counselors as a fun loving boy with an adventurous spirit. Recently, Matt had found great success working at St. Regis Culvert, Inc., in Charlotte, Michigan, and had just started a new position in sales. He treasured time spent with his co-workers and his hard work and positive attitude did not go unnoticed. In his free time Matthew enjoyed fishing off the dock at his parent’s house on Blume Lake; exercising, particularly running and weightlifting, which was a passion of his; and recording a regular podcast with his dear friend Joseph. His podcast, The Friar and the Felon, worked to debunk stereotypes about former felons and bring awareness to much needed prison reform in the United States. Matthew was a hard worker and a loyal friend, often reaching out to help support inmates he had met over the years.

Matthew is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mary (Olson) Witherspoon and Bruce Witherspoon; his sister, Barbara and her husband Charles Bailey; his sister, Elizabeth and her husband David Main, and his nieces Ava Bailey and Abigail Main, and nephew Andrew Main. 

Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Howard Bartrom, and his nephew, Aiden Bailey.

A celebration of life service will be held for family and friends. (Date and time to be announced in the future).