Matthew "Eels" Elia

Matthew A. “Eelz” Elia, 43, of Millbury, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at UMass Hospital, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Matthew is survived by two daughters, Madisyn Elia and Ryleigh Elia of Millbury, his girlfriend, Diane Giguere and her son, Michael Giguere of Woonsocket, RI; his parents, Sebastian “Tony” and Cheryl (Erickson) Elia of Worcester; six siblings, Marissa Elia of Worcester, Leonard Elia of Millbury, Kathryn Elia of Sutton, Sebastian A. Elia of Millbury, Richard Elia of Auburn, and Gianna Elia of Worcester; his maternal grandfather, William Erickson and his wife Angie of Florida; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; the “Cuzzy Crew”; along with many adored friends who were like family. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Rosemarie “Ma” (Giorgio) Erickson. Matthew was born in Worcester and graduated from Holy Name High School, Class of 2000, where he was an all-star baseball player. He later attended William Patterson University on a baseball scholarship and attended Quinsigamond Community College.

Matthew worked as courier and lab technician for Lab Corp for several years, having previously been a detailer for Sheldon Harley Davidson. He worked for fifteen years at DYS and worked as a bouncer at Liquid Sky Nightclub in Worcester.

Matthew loved baseball and after college he played in several softball leagues and was on the Sheldon softball team for several years. He enjoyed summers at Hampton Beach, playing fantasy sports, going to Bay State Gym, his group at “Lake Ave Glory”, music, movies, and late-night drives.

Matthew loved his daughters and will be remembered as an adoring father.

Calling Hours will be on Monday, February 9, from 3 pm until his Funeral Service begins at 6 pm, in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

Casual attire encouraged in honor of Matt, who disliked formal dress and valued comfort.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory and to help his children may be made to “Support Matt’s Fight For Cancer” in care of www.gofund.me/8c93313f4 .