Matthew John Parry, 33, passed away on June 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Our beloved Matt is survived by his parents, Neil and Diane Parry of Fairport, NY, his brothers, Bryan of Salt Lake City, Utah and Evan of Rochester, NY. He will be forever missed by his aunts and uncles – Linda Paricio and Brian Roussel, Glenn and Tomoko Parry, Alexander and Frances Sienkiewicz and Sharon Sienkiewicz with whom he shared a very special bond.
Dearly missing Matt are his cousins, Laurie and Matt Cornelius and their sons, Cole and Grant, Holly Sienkiewicz and Patrick Morrison and their sons Jack and Owen, Jody and Melissa Goldman and their daughters Gloria Rose and Consuela, and Dana Goldman. In addition, Matt will be deeply missed by our dear friend, Joel Goldberg, his lifelong Fairport HS buddies, and the chess and poker communities.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Marielle and Alexander Sienkiewicz, Sr. and John and Joan Parry, his Aunt Maureen (Moe) Ryan and his cousin, Aaron Goldman.
Matt is a graduate of Fairport High School in 2009 and the University at Buffalo in 2013. Upon college graduation, he followed his dream and became a professional poker player winning a WSOP bracelet in 2023 and recently winning the Wynn Summer Classic $2,200 PLO Event. In addition, he loved the game of chess and pursued it passionately during his school years – turning his love of literature into a love of chess books. In various years, Matt won the NYS Scholastic Championship, came in 4th at the GM Arnold Denker National Tournament of High School Champions, won the 10th Grade National Chess Championship and participated in the US delegation to the World Youth Chess Championships held in Vietnam in 2008. He strove for perfection in both of those fields resulting in a unique, hyper-focused individual to the detriment of the minutiae of everyday life.
Matt had many passions besides chess and poker, including NBA basketball, Phish concerts, Parry brownies, All-you-can eat crab at Red Lobster particularly at Christmas when his Aunt Shaz took all of her nieces and nephews out for a feast, Atlas Shrugged, Survivor, Harry Potter, Breaking Bad, The Wire and the movie Rounders.
He was a sweet, humble man who left us too soon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Chess Gorilla LLC, 221 Norris Drive, Rochester NY 14610.
Calling Hours will take place on Friday, June 28th from 5-8pm at Keenan’s Funeral Home (7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd, Fairport). Matt’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11 am at All Souls Chapel at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (2461 Lake Ave, Rochester). There will be no procession from Keenan’s to the cemetery, that all those attending will meet at the chapel. Celebration of Life will take place at Midvale Country Club (2387 Baird Rd, Penfield) on Saturday, June 29th beginning at 3:30.
“The world you desire can be won. It exists .. it is real .. it is possible .. it’s yours.” – Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand
Comments
8 responses to “Parry, Matthew John”
Your loss is heartbreaking. You are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. I am so sorry.
Diane and Neil.
I am heartbroken for you and your entire family.
The Parrys are one of those dedicated, supportive, loving families teachers hope to connect with. You were always so supportive of your boys and of me during our Northside years together.
My warm thoughts and grateful prayers are sent to you all.
Peace🩵
Matt was the most gifted young chess player in Rochester. And like no one else, he knew how to see a goal and steadily move towards it, without exchanging himself for less. His journey from a boy fascinated by the beauty of the game to a mature master penetrating into the very depths of each position was an inspired search for the truth of the pure inquisitive mind of a child and at the same time the calm contemplation of a wise wandering philosopher. These two hypostases miraculously coexisted in Mat in easy organic harmony from an early age. Add to this his openness, honesty, kindness, modesty, great sense of humor – the magic of his charming personality was impossible to resist.
When chess lived here and over the years we had the pleasure of watching Mat’s impressive growth, I sometimes liked to think that he was our Frodo Baggins. And that’s what the young Matt truly was in our chess kingdom.
Matt returned to the divine world from which he came. And we are inexpressibly sad that, having shown us so much, he left so early. Memory Eternal!
Our most sincere condolences to Neil, Diane and family. May God give you strength to bear this unbearable loss.
I remember all the gatherings at your home. Matt was one of three gentlemen who greeted guests at the door. He conversed with adults easily, even when he was a young teen. His gentle kindness was evident always. May memories give you comfort. May prayers give you strength to live and remember the joys he brought to you always. Hugs to the Parry family.
Neil, Diane and the Perry Family,
Such a shock to hear of Matt’s passing. Our most sincere condolences.
Neil and Diane,
We are so so so sorry for your loss…There are no words…May you know you are in our thoughts and prayers…
Nina and Jeremy Lindauer
Matt will be cherished in our hearts for his kind and gentle soul. Our favorite memories are from our vacation trips together: Matt teaching and coaching all of us on how to play poker. And at Nauset Beach, on that windy day when a beach umbrella was careening down the beach. As it approached our group, Matt just stretched out his arm and caught it. We will miss him.
Dear Neil and Diane We are very sorry to hear of this awful loss. Matthew was a gifted child and our prayers are that your memories and love of him are always in your heart. There is nothing more important than a parents love for their child. We will continue to pray for your strength and peace in your hearts and that of your entire family. Sandy and Dave Wilson (Iati)