Matthew Paul Gaeckle, age 45, died at HMC Hospice in Medina, OH, on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Born April 29, 1970, in Fairview Park, Ohio, Matthew lived in Clarksburg, WV before settling in Medina. A graduate of both Kent State and Akron University, he enjoyed practicing law in Akron for over 10 years. Most recently, Matthew’s love for running resulted in 12 half-marathon and 2 full marathon finishes, in only one year, and he was proud to have started his Sunflower Melanoma Foundation. Matthew didn’t lose his fight to cancer; he beat cancer by how he lived, why he lived, and the manner in which he lived.

Matthew is survived by his children Amanda, Timothy, Thomas, and Nicholas; his siblings Richard (Shara), John (Julie), Ruth Clay (Mark), Jim (Mary), Edward (Lori), and Andrew (Lynn). Matthew was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Joan Gaeckle.

The family will receive friends 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM Sunday at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth. A Catholic funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM at Holy Martyrs, 3100 S. Weymouth Rd., Medina, OH 44256 on Monday, June 29, followed by a graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery. A reception at the Hilliard-Rospert Event Center will follow and all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home to help with final expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and can also be mailed.