Matthew James Pickett
Bellingham
Matthew Pickett's passion for music was legendary. In a single year, the avid heavy metal fan attended more concerts than most people would in a lifetime. He cultivated another generation of music lovers in his family by taking nephews and nieces to their first rock concerts. Pickett, 33, often set up recording equipment to capture a show, as he did before the Great White concert last Thursday.
"Matt collected concert recordings from shows all around the world and could probably tell you all of the songs a band would play at a concert before the band had a chance to perform them," Ben Moebes, a longtime friend, said of Matty, as Pickett was known to his wide circle of friends.
Moebes fondly remembered a summer that he and Pickett spent playing around Echo Bridge in Newton Upper Falls, which became a special place for Pickett. It was there that he proposed to his fiancee, Wendy Weinberg, last year. The two had recently bought a home and were to be married in October. Members of Pickett's close-knit family spoke of his love for Weinberg and also how they treasured his warmth and sense of humor. The baby of the family was described as "the consummate family man," who was always there to offer love and support.
"All my brothers looked out for me and loved me with all their hearts, but Matthew kept a special eye on me," said Dorothy Pickett, his only sister.
Pickett grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton South High School before going on to the University of Massachusetts-Boston. In addition to his love for music and sports, Pickett was well-traveled and spoke French and Spanish.
"I'll continue to live my life but from here on out I'll do it a little better, think a little harder, take one more step further and love with all of my heart," said Dorothy Pickett. "That's what Matthew would do."
RHONDA STEWART
