The death of the future mayor

Within minutes of arriving at the neighborhood association holiday event, I had heard the terrible news about Matt Peter dying. I was at the party to take photographs of party attendees, something I do as often as I can when asked, and my task immediately became more difficult.

How in the world was I going to be able to approach people and ask them to smile when the neighborhood the city had suffered such a devastating loss?

While I would never claim that Matt and I were close friends, I certainly knew him. How could I not? He was everywhere and we frequently attended the same festivities around town. I generally saw him at Lark Street/Center Square events, but that shouldn’t suggest that Matt’s world was a small one. A few years back, as I recall, he went to Machu Picchu, a destination on my own wish list of eventual places to visit.

Matt definitely reached heights beyond what one might have expected from the far too few years he was given on this earth.

As I said, Matt and I were casual friends. He had, however, been in my thoughts after I became aware of his health issues last month. I was looking forward to seeing him and giving him a hug on Thursday night.

I most certainly never expected to not have that opportunity ever again.

Those who were closer to Matt, and knew him better than I, have shared their thoughts, memories and deep sorrow at his passing. Mayor Sheehan spoke about him and their relationship with tremendous emotion Thursday Night at the holiday gathering and her sadness was palpable.

I don’t understand how someone so vital and alive can be so suddenly gone.

But, I have no doubt that Matt would one day have become mayor of Albany – and he would have been a damn good one.

Rest in peace, Matt. You are already missed.