Christopher Doyle Matthews

Chris Matthews, 36, passed away unexpectedly following a medical event on Monday, June 29, 2026, leaving behind an absence that has devastated his family, friends, colleagues, and communities across Massachusetts.

Born in Boston, Chris was raised in Scituate by his late parents, Richard J. Matthews and Mary-Ellen Matthews (née Doyle), alongside his brother Brian. He was a graduate of Scituate High School. He ultimately settled in Norwell with his beloved partner, Molly McKitrick, and her son, Eli.

Chris dedicated his life to public service. A role volunteering on U.S. Representative Bill Keating’s first campaign in 2010 grew into more than fifteen years of faithful service. At the time of his passing, Chris was serving as Congressman Keating’s District Outreach and Communications Director, where he transformed the lives of countless veterans, families, seniors, and constituents. His work with Congressman Keating was one of the greatest honors of his life and provided him with colleagues who became family to him.

Outside of Congress, Chris became one of the Commonwealth’s most respected political organizers and strategists. He served as Chair of the South Shore Democratic Caucus, and was a leader within the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, the Plymouth County Democratic League, and several Democratic town committees throughout the South Shore. Friends and colleagues routinely described him as a “generational political talent,” but what made Chris exceptional was that he never lost sight of why politics mattered: because individuals can bring about progress and meaningful change.

Chris had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel calmer. He possessed a quiet wisdom that far exceeded his years. He was happiest on the water or listening to the music of generations past on his vinyls or in concert—his musical tastes matched his old soul. He rarely demanded attention, but when he spoke, people listened because they knew his words carried thought, perspective, and kindness. He was brilliantly funny, with a dry, often biting sense of humor that could make an entire room erupt in laughter. He was fiercely loyal to the people he loved, as well as being endlessly curious, deeply thoughtful, and astonishingly generous with both his time and his heart.

Chris was most proud of the family he built with Molly, Eli, and their dog June. He was a steadfast, loyal and loving partner to Molly and a devoted parental figure to Eli over the last 7 years. His love for Molly was unwavering, and the bond he shared with Eli was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle to Molly’s extended family. He is survived by his in-laws: Rosemary, Charlie, Hannah, and Charlie McKitrick, Caitlin and Ethan Warren and their children, Nora, Liam, and Edie, as well as Chris’s brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Jennifer Matthews, and their children, Emily, Brooke, Charles, Juliet, and Eric. In addition to the aforementioned relatives, Chris is remembered by his extended "family": his childhood friends from Scituate, innumerable friends amassed from around the South Shore, from Team Keating, and the state-wide network of people whom he inspired and worked with to make a brighter future in our Commonwealth.

Chris’s life will be measured by the countless people who are kinder, stronger, and better for knowing him.

For those who wish to pay their respects, visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA.

A brief graveside service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Meeting House Lane, Scituate, for those who feel called to attend.

All are invited to attend a celebration of life that will be planned for later this summer.

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In lieu of flowers donations may be made to

South Shore Community Action Council by check to 

71 Obery Street

Plymouth MA 02360

Or on line at www.sscac.org/

Others who’d like to help Molly and Eli during their grieving process are invited to donate to a GoFundMe set up to support them: www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-molly-and-eli-after-chriss-passing

And all who hope to pay tribute to Chris’s life and memory should consider finding a personal way to work towards positive change in their community, whether that be volunteering at a food bank, holding a sign at a demonstration, or simply forging connections with neighbors and strengthening that essential sense of collective unity.