Matthew Joseph Gray

Matthew Joseph Gray

Matt was an artist, entrepreneur, trail blazer, great dancer, and a fun and caring individual. Matt grew up in Warren, PA, hanging with swim team friends, great cousins, family, and friends. Matt participated in art competitions, painted sets for school plays, and – while still in high school – was selected to attend the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts. After graduating Warren Area High School, Matt headed to Pittsburgh to attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Armed with his Bachelor of Arts Degree, Matt headed for the Big Apple, New York City. Matt’s dad commented after driving Matt to NYC and leaving him on the stoop of the apartment Matt had arranged to share, that Matt was fearless, having more faith in himself than his dad had ever had. Matt thrived in the energy of “the City” getting his first job at the House of Cards before landing successive positions as a graphic artist. Matt built a family in New York and always welcomed friends and family from home traveling to NYC for fun. After more than two decades in New York City, Matt turned his motorcycle south to look for a new home to start his own business with his partner Michael Chan. They started WallWorks in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. WallWorks specialized in Trompe l’oeil, murals, and commissioned paintings. Matt travelled to Italy to learn fresco painting from master artists and fell in love with the country. On returning home, WallWorks expanded to offer fresco painting. Matt and the WallWorks staff traveled around the US and internationally, creating amazing and unique pieces of art for clients. After over 20 years in Florida, Matt suffered personal loses and decided to head home to Warren, Pennsylvania, to recuperate and plan his next chapter. Not long after returning home, Matt had a health crisis and was diagnosed with Peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Matt refused to let his diagnosis determine his life. His drive and never-give-up attitude allowed him to live and work for years. Matt was determined to do it his way, once stating that, “On days I can walk, I walk. On days that I can’t walk, I crawl.” Matt met every challenge with determination and clarity about his wishes. Disease finally overwhelmed Matt’s body, but not his mind. Matt passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by and cared for by his sister and the amazing staff of UPMC Hamot ICU.