Staff Sargent Juan Matthew Lynch of Kapolei, Hawaii, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2023. Born on December 7, 1992, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, he was the beloved son of James Lynch and his loving mother, the late Mary Simcock Lynch. Matt attended Mount Merici Academy in Waterville, Maine and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 2011. Following graduation, Matt chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Over the following twelve years, Matt's decorated U.S. Army career included assignments with the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, B Company, 1-27 Infantry Regiment (Wolfhounds) and the 2D Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. He served tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and an additional Lead Security Specialist assignment in South Korea. His commanders defined Matt as an incredible soldier and exceptional leader who will be remembered for his infectious and cheerful smile. SSG Lynch's decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and The Soldier's Medal. Matt's warmth, kindness and quick wit brought much love and great joy to his family and friends. His calm, confident demeanor brought him much respect and admiration from the servicemen and servicewomen that served by his side. Matt took much pleasure in cooking, hosting holiday dinners for his battalion, company and platoon. His many avocations included physical fitness, photography, creating digital media, golf, scuba diving, camping, surfing, family celebrations and his friendships – old and new. Matthew was particularly loving, protective and proud of his father and cherished brother Jose. His soul is now reunited with his beloved mother, brother Michael and many guardian angels in Heaven. Matt will forever be remembered for his love of family, love of friends, love of country and his enduring bond of military Brotherhood. His enduring love will always be felt but, Matt will be forever missed by his father, brother Jose, aunt Sherri and uncle Steve Zimmer, cousins Jon, Katie and Michelle; aunt Walli and uncle Steve Fitton, cousins Stephanie and Jason; uncle Stephen Simcock of New York; uncle Bob and aunt Lora Lynch of Nevada; aunt Marilyn and uncle Barry Welch, cousins Stacey and Brendan; aunt Pat and uncle Phil Simon and cousins John, Karen and Steven; and cousin Cherie Yannizzi of Colorado. A full Military Honors Service to commemorate the life of SSG Juan Matthew Lynchwill take place June 1st, 2024 at 10am at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, Maine. Cremation to follow. Following the service, all family and friends are cordially invited to a reception and celebration of Matt's life at Thomas College, 480 West River Road, Waterville, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt's memory to Saint John's Food Pantry, Corpus Christi Parish, 17 S. Garland Street, Winslow, Maine 04901. Arrangements are under the care and directions of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com