Matthew D. Schilling, 54

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Matthew Damon Schilling, 54 of North Adams, MA sadly passed away on Friday August 16, 2024.

He was born in Bethesda, Maryland on August 14, 1970, the son of Dr. Paul Wesley Schilling and the late Jo Anne (Cooper) Schilling. As a child, he lived in Los Angeles, Ca, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and many years in New Orleans, La. He later moved to Florida and graduated from Key West High School in Key West, FL. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for culinary arts during his formative years. Beginning his career in the hospitality industry as a teenager, he worked his way up through various roles at renowned local establishments up and down the Keys, including Monty’s and Mangrove Mamas. By his mid twenties, Matthew had achieved the prestigious position of head chef at Mangrove Mamas, where he perfected his signature dishes such as crab-stuffed snapper, that garnered a loyal following among both locals and tourists and contributed to the restaurant's enduring popularity.

Matthew relocated to N. Adams, MA in 2006. A few years later, he was given the amazing opportunity to open and co-own The Hub restaurant with his family. He again created an incredible menu offering many delicious Creole dishes such as, Jambalaya, Seafood Gumbo, and Shrimp and Grits, as well as an upgraded twist on comfort food in a very welcoming environment. Some of the patron favorites were, Junk Spaghetti, Matt’s Famous Meatloaf and his incredible homemade soups. Cooking was always his passion from an early age and he continued to build on his talent and creativity throughout his life. The only thing he enjoyed more than cooking was raising and spending time with his daughter, Josie. He loved watching her excel in school, sitting in the stands cheering her on at softball and basketball sporting events, and quiet game nights at home. They also both really loved going to the coast in Maine and playing on the beach together.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Kathryn Anne (Doan) Schilling and his daughter, Josie May Schilling. He is also survived by his father and stepmother Dr. Paul and Marilyn Schilling, his sister and brother-in-law, Marcie and Thomas Carey all of Spicewood, Tx., stepsister and brother-in-law Angela and Matt Hastings of Allen, Tx, stepbrother Randy Stroud of Daytona Beach, Fl. and many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins in California, Missouri, Arizona and Maine.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A private celebration of life for Matthew Schilling will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Josie Schilling Scholarship Fund in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com