Matt passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 17, 2024.  A resident of Haddon Township, NJ and formerly of Mantua, NJ he was 70 years old.

Loving father of Kelly (Gus) Mercado and Matthew (Kristen) Hale.  Devoted "Skinny Pop" to Meghan and Aidan Mercado and Emma and Ethan Hale.  Matt also leaves behind his beloved companion and dog, Bailey.  Beloved son of the late Matthew and Carrie Hale.  Dear brother of Sharon (Earl) Wagner, John Hale, Susan (Ronald) Wassman, Thomas Hale, Jay Hale and the late Theresa Hale.  Matt is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Matt was born in Camden and spent his early childhood there until the Hale family moved to Woodbury, where he went on to graduate from Woodbury High School. After high school, Matt was employed and eventually retired from the Haddonfield Board of Education, serving in the maintenance department for over 25 years. Matt was the proud father of his two children, Kelly and Matt. He was most proud of the fact that both of his children enlisted in the United States Navy and served their country for years, something he always wished he could have done himself but was unable to do for health reasons.

When he wasn't working, Matt enjoyed being his own handy-man doing various projects around his houses and his kids' houses. He was also an avid camper, fisherman, crabber, traveler, and above all else a jokester. He was always quick with a joke, but also loved being on the receiving end of jokes as well.

Matt enjoyed spending time at his second home in Virginia with probably his favorite "child" Bailey.  He spent a lot of his time fishing and crabbing with many of his siblings, kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. It was a place of relaxation that he enjoyed for many years after his retirement.

The one thing in life Matt enjoyed above all else was being "Skinny Pop" to his 4 grandchildren. They became the most important thing in his life and the grandkids quickly learned Skinny Pop would give them any treats they wanted, whenever they wanted. He did anything and everything he could to spend time with them, even if it meant traveling to the various states and cities his own kids lived in.

Matt forged many loving relationships and lasting memories with his family and friends throughout his time with us. He was loved by many and will also be missed by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Matt's life celebration gathering on Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 820 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ.  Interment will follow at Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt's memory to the Animal Adoption Center, 501 Berlin Rd. North, Lindenwold, NJ 08021 ( www.aacnj.org ).