Birth date: Mar 21, 1928 Death date: Sep 12, 2016
Matthew J. Norris, age 88, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2016. Beloved son to the late William and Alice (nee Cowan); cherished brother to Mary Grant, William J. Sr, Irene Goebelt, Francis “Frank” Norris, Read Obituary
I just learned of Matt's passing when my Christmas card was returned. Matt and I have been friends and running companions for years. Matt was older than me by 20 years but he gave me a run for my money. He was my mentor for my first marathon 30 years ago. I moved away and married and yet we always sent each other a Christmas card and well wishes. I am saddened by his passing. Rest In Peace Matt. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kathy Franks
I'm Matt's great-niece. Matt was my mom's uncle, the last one of a slew of brothers and sisters in our huge Irish Catholic family. Matt's identical twin, Mark, died less that 4 months before Matt; they were close in life, so it wasn't too surprising that Matt was quick to follow. Matt was a vibrant person and a great athlete; I had countless t-shirts he gave me from his fun runs, marathons, and 1/2 marathons. Matt was and still is a huge inspiration to me in my running: let's face it — the guy ran in his 80s – with bone spurs! Even as he slowed down a but, he still was active with golf, bowling, and other sports. When I was a kid, and visiting Cleveland to see my grandma, he would take me out to Bally's Fitness every day, so I could swim and do aerobics and hang out with his friends. It was the high point of my summer. The last time I got to hang out with him for any length of time was probably 2 or 3 years ago; we had brunch at Hank's in Ohio City. My mother (Mary Lynn), Matt, his twin brother Mark, and my husband all went, and I remember we had a great seat in their atrium. On the way there, Alex and I giggled a little at Mark and Matt, arguing like schoolkids over the best way to get there. During brunch, Matt gave me a very kind compliment. He said, "I've always thought you look more like your father, but at your age and in this light, I'd swear you were Mary Lynn at that age. You're the spitting image of her!" My mother was a gorgeous woman, so that was about the nicest thing he could've said. Maybe the lighting at Hank's was just really great. The last time I saw Matt was at my Mom's funeral last year. We tried to call him beforehand but he couldn't hear the phone anymore, so I feared he might not find out in time. He read about the funeral in the Plain Dealer, though and he showed up, just in the nick of time as we were getting started, looking like he had literally run the whole way there, in his jogging clothes. (He probably had, come to think of it). I am comforted that Matt is with his brothers and sisters, and joins my mother in heaven. Though I feel bad, I know "he will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness or pain. The world of the past has gone." Rev 21:4. Rest in Peace, Uncle Matt. I miss you and I look forward to someday seeing you again.
I always enjoyed Matt being at the races that I competed in. He always inspired me, and reminded me what was important. It wasn't about the race, it was about participating in something we both love to do.More importantly, it was the after race that was fun with Matt.May you always Rest In Peace, and may we enjoy a beverage together when were together next.
I ran many races with Matt. He is 24 years older than me, yet despite that, there were many races that he would finish ahead of me, sometimes passing me in the last mile or so. It was a big goal of mine (and others) to "beat Matt" and the times I did I felt a sense of accomplishment. My wife would bring me back down to earth reminding me that he was much older than I was. He was always pleasant and loved to talk about running. I know he ran over 100 marathons (26.2 miles). Even when he finally slowed way down he would still come to races because he loved the whole atmosphere and the people. Everyone knew him and respected him. I will miss him and remember him always. He is a legend. Good bye, Matt. Joe Zellers
