CUMBERLAND – Matthew Phillip Avers, 38, of Cumberland, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at home.

Born October 6, 1984, in Cumberland, he was the son of Jean M. McCleaf and the late Michael "Rooster" Avers. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Gail and Ella Mae Northcraft and Lorraine Avers; brother, Shawn Paul McCleaf.

Matt was a 2002 graduate of the Center for Career and Technical Education and Fort Hill High School. He worked for S&S Electric and Bill Miller's before he started as a millwright. He was a member of the Local 443 Millwright Union and helped put up the windmills in Mount Storm, WV. Most recently, he was employed by Hunter Douglas, where he worked with some very special ladies whose comradery he really enjoyed.

He loved to be around people whether they were at BBQs and campgrounds or at Dig Deep and Deep End. Matt grew to know the staff at both establishments intimately and valued their company and friendship.

In his younger days, his favorite pastimes included Metallica, Budweiser, and bonfires with his best friend, Josh. More recently, his world revolved around his daughter, Jayde. Everything he did was for her. He fought so hard for so long just so that he could spend as much time as possible with her. Jayde was his universe.

Matt was an easy-going guy who never complained and always had a story to tell. He was family and friend oriented and would do anything for anyone – even if he wasn't actually physically able to due to his illness.

Besides his mother, Matt is survived by his daughter, Jayde Avers; stepson, Ayden Belford, and their mother, Krystyna Avers; sister, Janelle Avers; best friend since elementary school, Josh DeVault; special cousin who was like a brother, Clinton Moran; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 4 to 6pm. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6pm with Chaplain Bruce McBride officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff at UPMC Western Maryland Dialysis Center for the special care they gave to Matt.

Those who would like to honor Matt's memory are encouraged to send flowers, make a donation in his name to a charity of the donor's choice, or to send contributions to Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502 to help defray funeral expenses.