Matthew Ryan Aratani

Matthew Ryan Aratani, 22, of Littleton, Colorado passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018. Matt was born on November 5, 1996 to Brian H. and Deborah J. Aratani.

Matt was proud to be the second of the four ""Aratani boys"". There is his oldest brother Tyler, his youngest brother Alex, and his twin brother Cole, whom he beat into the world by eight minutes which allowed him to make his claim as the second oldest Aratani.

Like his brothers, he attended St. Mary's Catholic School and then high school at Heritage High in Littleton, Co. Matt participated in many sports and activities including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, snowboarding, skateboarding, flag football, guitar, and lacrosse. He appreciated his teachers and coaches who helped him in the classroom and on and off the field.

Matt was a good friend to others. He treasured the friends he made at St. Mary's and remained close to them through his life. He continued to form cherished friendships at Heritage and at the University of Colorado, Boulder (""CU"").

Matt majored in Accounting and Finance at CU. He excelled in school and was accepted to the Master's program in accounting at CU. He had accepted an internship offer with a Big 4 accounting firm for next summer.

Matt's heart and his home were always open. He loved his family, friends and the community. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, kindness and laughter.

In addition to his parents Brian and Deb, he is survived by his brothers Tyler, Cole, and Alex; his paternal grandmother Lucy Aratani; his maternal grandmother Betty Waters; aunts Jeri Aratani (Charlie Russell), Lori Aratani (Spencer Hsu), Joan Waters, Julia (Tim) Flathers, Amy (Terry) Davis, uncle Jeffry (Carol) Waters and cousins Chloe and Nick Russell, Sophie Hsu, Torin (Danelle) Waters, Derek Waters, Kari (Joe) Kazer, Kristen (Sam) Parsons, Chad, Greg, Mari, and Ana Davis.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandfathers James Aratani and John William (""Bill"") Waters.

A Vigil service for Matt will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 6pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 6853 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11am also at St. Mary's, followed by a reception at the church hall and burial in Littleton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School, 6833 S. Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120. Donations will be used to help students with tuition assistance.

As we remember Matt, we invite everyone to perform a random act of kindness, to celebrate his love and kindness towards others.

Vigil Service: December 28, 2018 6:00 pm

St. Mary Catholic Church
6853 South Prince Street
Littleton, CO 80120
303-798-8506
https://www.stmarylittleton.org/

Funeral Mass: December 29, 2018 11:00 am

St. Mary Catholic Church
6853 South Prince Street
Littleton, CO 80120
303-798-8506
https://www.stmarylittleton.org/