Obituary: Matthew James Steadman

Matthew James Steadman (34) of Elyria, Ohio, entered into heaven on October 15, 2022. He was the son of Lisa and James Steadman, who, sadly, passed away on the same day. Matthew was born on September 20, 1988, in Winter Garden, FL. At age five, he and his parents relocated to Elyria, OH, to pursue treatment for his autism.

Matthew was a sweet and loving person, a sort of gentle giant. Years ago, his Grandfather John was a pharmacist at a WI state-run facility where such folks resided. He called them "living saints." And that is what Matt was. He shared a birthday with his Aunt Mary C., always greeting her with, "Hi, my twin!!" She felt it an honor having his birthday coincide with hers.

For a number of years during the week, Matt attended a special-needs workshop in Elyria, providing social interaction, while giving mom a chance to tend the house and relax just a little. Caring for a special needs child right into adulthood was a tremendous responsibility for which Lisa and Jim deserved much credit. Despite his autism, Matt prayed nightly for all of his relatives, making sure to list everyone by name. He enjoyed singing and was a big fan of Martina McBride, whom he got to meet backstage once — a thrill for him and his parents!

Matthew leaves his "Grandfather John" Buchignani; aunts and uncles, Paul, John, Tom and Gina Buchignani, Mary (James) Reineck, Peter (Peggy) Buchignani, Toni (Richard) Fleming, Patrick (Anita) Buchignani, Daniel (Connie) Buchignani; and 15 first cousins.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Elyria, OH, on 10/31/22, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.