Matthew James Barrett July 8, 1991 - June 12, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Matthew James Barrett, 22, passed away on June 12, 2014 after a long battle against a heroin addiction. He is now free from his struggles and at peace. Matt was born July 8, 1991 in South Bend to John and Linda (Gabele) Barrett. Along with his parents, Matt is survived by his brothers, Andrew Barrett of New Carlisle, and Timothy Barrett of West LaFayette; his maternal grandparents, Barbara Jeffries of South Bend, and William (Kate) Gabele of Phoenix, AZ; aunt, Cathi (Richard) Green of Sturgis, MI; uncles, Michael (Lisa) Gabele of Plainwell, MI, Mark (Kimberly) Gabele of Phoenix, AZ, and Tony Barrett of Kokomo, and many cousins and friends. He is also preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Margaret Barrett and Carlton Jeffries. Matt grew up in New Carlisle and graduated from New Prairie High School in 2010, where he played basketball, football and wrestled. He loved the water and spent many summers swimming and fishing on Hudson Lake. He loved playing basketball and would play a pickup game every chance he could. He was an avid New England Patriots fan from the time he was a little boy. Matt was a kind hearted and gentle person who was a friend to all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Even though he faced many challenges in his short life, he always had a smile on his face and words of encouragement for others. Matthew came into the world as beautiful light that was dimmed far too soon. Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. MAYFLOWER RD., from the hours of 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and a Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Thursday, June 19, 2014 in St. Stanislaus Kostka, 55756 Tulip, New Carlisle with graveside services to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Matt's honor to the Salvation Army Rehabilitation program, 510 S Main St., South Bend, IN 46601 or to Shatterproof.org. "Some are bound to die young. By dying young a person stays young in people's memory. If he burns brightly before he dies, his brightness shines for all time". Unknown "When you were small and just a touch way, I covered you with blankets against the cold night air. But now that you are tall, and out of reach, I fold my hands and cover you with prayer". By Dana Maddux


.Published in South Bend Tribune on June 17, 2014