Dana "Matt" Matthew Athey passed away in his home on November 22, 2025.

Matt was born in Cumberland, Maryland, on June 10, 1972 to Don Athey and the late Margaret Mullen McWilliams. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his step-father, James McWilliams.

Matt was raised in Orlando, Florida, where he competed for his local high school swim team and still holds records to this day. He returned to Cumberland, Maryland, in the early 2000s and started his own landscaping business. He met his wife, Julie Athey, in 2008 and had three daughters. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a lifelong Florida State Seminoles fan. Matt loved the outdoors and spent summers going to his Summer home, Sutton Lake, and spending time with his wife on their houseboat.

Matt is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Julie Chesno Athey; daughters, Kaylee Athey, Alison Cutter, Christina Martin and her husband, Zachary; and his grandson, Jaxon Martin. He is also survived by his father, Don Athey and wife Chere; brothers, David Athey and wife Lisa, Dion Athey and his fiancé Michele Hitchens, Daniel Blair and wife Tina; his sisters, Diane Van Den Brink, Jamie McWilliams, and Angie Blair and husband Mark; as well as several nieces and nephews, and a special group of lifelong friends he considered brothers.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight:  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."(2 Corinthians 5:7-8, KJV)

Matt will be cremated per his wishes and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.