Matthew James Reno

Matthew James Reno, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2020, at the age of 62, surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Matt was born on April 1,1958 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Willard and Rose Reno. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Sue Oldenburg, on October 10,1981. He was an extremely proud father of two children.
Matt graduated from Hemlock High School in 1976 before completing an Associate Degree from Delta College, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Saginaw Valley State University in 1993, and a Master of Science in Project Management from Boston University in 2010. He was a faithful member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Saginaw. He served Saginaw Township for 37 years in various roles, starting as a Utility Worker in 1980 for the Department of Public Services and retiring as the Director of Community Development in 2017. He was a member and former president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. In 2011, he was appointed by Governor Snyder to sit on the State of Michigan Construction Code Commission for a four year term.
Matt was well known for his charisma, his teasing nature, and his appreciation for a good practical joke. His high school superlative was "best sense of humor". Hobbies included restoring antique lights, amateur carpentry, playing cards and board games, and spending time with his family. A sports enthusiast, Matt played recreational softball and volleyball and enjoyed coaching his children's hockey and volleyball teams. He liked watching college football, especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and following his beloved Boston University Terriers Hockey Team.
Matt is survived by his wife Sue, son Tyler (Sandy) Reno, daughter Kelsey (Seamus) Jackson, and grandson Thomas (Jackson). He was looking forward to the birth of his first granddaughter who is due this August. Also surviving are his siblings: Michelle Blanchard (Dennis Plank), Janice (Tom) Heck, Brian (Betty) Reno; mother-in-law, Loretta Oldenburg; brothers and sisters-in-law: Becky (Fred) Thompson, James E. Oldenburg, Tom (Sandy) Oldenburg, Kevin (Kalli) Oldenburg, and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, James F. Oldenburg. Matt's family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff and volunteers at Toni & Trish House for the compassionate care he received in his final days.
Matthew's immediate family will honor him in a private graveside committal service. A celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John Vianney Catholic Church or Toni & Trish House.

Mr. Reno's committal service may be viewed here