“I will always remember his bright smile ... he was the definition of a student athlete.”

That is how CHS Soccer Coach Orville Roberts thinks of the late Matthew Mayer ’24.

“As his head coach, I shared so many behind the scenes with Matt,” said Roberts, who in his fifth year at CHS.

“He was such a good person, always kind and mild-mannered. I will always remember his bright smile and our conversations before and after training. 

“He was the definition of a student athlete – honor society in the classroom, and he worked hard to become a starter and played a big part in our program’s success. We will honor him this coming season.”

Mayer, who was entering his junior year at the University of Dayton in Ohio, passed suddenly and tragically in a car accident July 6. He was 20.

Visitation is Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 911 Englewood Ave., Buffalo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Town of Tonawanda.

Our hearts go out to parents Lisa and Tom ’87, brother Joe ’22, uncles Bob ’77, Jim ’76 and Mike ’75 and all of Matthew’s family and friends. 

Some additional remembrances from the CHS community:

John Scalisi '23, CHS assistant soccer coach:

"I had the immense privilege of being both Matt’s teammate and later one of his coaches. He was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. Matt had a quiet way of bringing people together and earned the respect of everyone around him through his actions rather than his words. He played an important role in fostering the brotherhood that defines Canisius Soccer and always put the team before himself.

"He pursued excellence in everything he did and carried himself with remarkable discipline, humility, and integrity. Above all, he was devoted to his family and genuinely cared for those around him. Matt led by example every single day, and I know his impact on our program and community will continue to be felt for years to come.

"I used to drive him to practice and games my senior year and I too, can never forget his quiet, yet full smile. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him. He will be deeply missed."

Ann Marie Moscovic, Director of Counseling: 

“It was an honor to serve as Matt’s school counselor during his four years at Canisius. He was an intelligent, genuine, hard-working and athletically talented young man who was devoted to his friends, soccer teammates and family. 

“He also had a wonderful sense of humor, and we shared plenty of laughs together. My heart breaks for the Mayer family. May Matt rest in peace.”

David Hayes ‘87, history teacher: 

“I remember Matt as thoughtful, quiet, charitable young man who will be missed. He came from a great family. His brother, Joe, was equally noble and his father, Tom, and I were great friends during our time as CHS students. I will remember Matt and his family each day at Mass.”

Erik Spina ‘79, President of the University of Dayton: 

“All of us at the University of Dayton have Matthew’s family and friends in our hearts and prayers. Matt was beloved at UD and his memory will remain with us.”

#amdg