Matt David Adler

1970 - 2011

Matt David Adler obituary, 1970-2011, Seattle, WA

FUNERAL HOME

Bleitz Funeral Home

316 Florentia Street

Seattle, Washington

Matt Adler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 21, 2011.

Matthew David Adler

Matthew David Adler was born on June 15, 1970 in Philadelphia and weighed in at 8 pounds and 21 ½ long, the son of Phyllis and Gary Adler.

One of the things Matt loved to do as a little boy was drive, whether a toy car or making believe behind the wheel of his father's car.

Birthdays and Hanukkah were always fun events. Birthday parties revolved around golf, softball and so on. He loved superheroes and dressed up as them. He had a superhero cake on his sixth birthday.

Early on, Matt thought about becoming a fireman, a policeman, or a doctor. But by the time he was 12 he informed his parents that he would be an attorney when he grew up.

As a boy, Matt and his brother Marc played baseball, went ice skating and skiing, and even played golf together with their little sets of golf clubs. But most of all, they laughed together. They also joined Cub Scouts and later Boys scouts and Matt enjoyed playing by the rules and earning badges.

Growing up, besides going to summer camp where he learned to swim and play tennis, he enjoyed many family vacations involving hiking and camping and enjoyed trips to Canada, Florida, and hiking the Appalachian Trail.

On June 18 at the age of 13, family and friends gathered in celebration of Matt's Bar Mitzvah. Matt was a great student attending Solomon Schechter Day School, the Akiba Hebrew Academy graduating in 1988. There he met his best and lifelong friends Will Augenbraun and Aaron Krause.
In 1992, Matt graduated from the University of Michigan. He made his parents, Gary and Phyllis, very proud on May 21, 1995 when he received his Law Degree from Cornell University….the same school where he met Jennifer Stuber as an undergraduate in 1993.

When Matt first met Jenn he was immediately taken by her, but it was up to Jenn to do the initiating as far as dating was concerned. Long story short, the next twelve years were years of living together and living apart. First, in different cities and states, and then in different countries!

While Matt was still in law school Jenn moved to Westchester County NY, and upon graduation Matt moved to New York City for his first job with a law firm….not too far away. While the Big Apple had a lot to offer, Matt was not happy living in NYC. The distance grew greater when Matt was transferred to DC and Jenn pursued her doctoral studies at Yale University in New Haven, Ct.

Jenn visited Matt often in DC. While in DC, Matt became a big brother to a young man through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. His name was Brian and the three of them did lots of fun things together.

The next move, Matt transferred to Hong Kong, where he got the experience of living abroad with a very exciting career opportunity, while Jenn moved to New York City after graduating from Yale where she lived for four years again apart from Matt. Matt loved Hong Kong (it was his favorite city), but it was in Beijing that he acquired the knowledge and experience that served him so well for the remainder of his years in the practice of law. Asia Info was Matt's longest standing client. He thought of them as family.

It is nothing short of a miracle that despite numerous separations, both physical and emotional, their love for each other survived. Matt and Jenn reconnected for good in 2001 when Matt reached out to provide Jenn solace following 9/11. Jenn was living in New York City at the time just a few miles from the World Trade Center.

Over the years, New Year's Eves were spent together in Times Square, Vermont, Utah, Miami, San Juan, Philadelphia and Saigon. There were also trips to St. Martin, Margate, the Costa del Sol, Bali and Sardinia. Matt and Jenn enjoyed skip trips to Alaska, Utah, New Mexico, and Vermont.
Jenn and Matt spent a lot of time together in Beijing, taking long weekend trips to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hang zhou, Dalian and Xian. On Jenn's many visits to Beijing, they enjoyed long conversations about Chinese culture and took golf lessons together. One particularly memorable visit was during the SARS epidemic. Jenn flew on an Air China flight to Beijing with only 3 other passengers. Matt was nearly blind with a major infection in his eyes. Jenn flew to China to help Matt get back to the U.S. where he could receive proper medical care.

Matt and Jenn were married in New York on June 5, 2004. Matt came home from China just a week before the wedding and managed to squeeze in some last minute dance classes. They wrote their own vows and planned their own ceremony incorporating much of their Jewish and Christian traditions along with original ideas of their own. At the reception they danced to a 10 piece band.

Within a couple of months of the wedding, Jake was conceived. Before she even knew she was pregnant, Jenn flew around the world from Beijing to New York and back again, and later during the pregnancy visited Tokyo and Kyoto and even Vietnam with Matt. …. Jake
is destined to be a world traveler like his Dad. For much of Jake's fetal state, Matt was in China and Jenn was in NY working on a postdoctoral fellowship with a visit back to China during weeks 22 and 28 weeks.

And oh yes, during weeks 30 and 32 of Jenn's pregnancy, Matt interviewed for his position at DLA PIPER LLP in Seattle with the goal to finally Seattle down together in one place as a family. Jenn was considering an incredible opportunity of her own as a professor at the University of Washington's School of Social Work and Matt wanted her to take it. This was a big sacrifice for Matt.

Thank goodness Matt made it home from China in time for Jake's birth on 3/30/05! On the night of Jake's birth, Matt and Jenn walked 5 miles along New York City's upper west side to induce labor. Matt loved the first moments of Jake's birth. Jake's adorable first cries were a sound he often imitated. Jake squeezed Matt's pinky in the first hour of his life as the nurse and pediatricians weighed and examined him.

When Jake was a mere three days old, we suited him up with a Passport and returned to Beijing for the first five months of Jake's life. Fish soup to induce breast milk production, the watchful eye of a Chinese Ayi (Auntie), and numerous site seeing trips to the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and Chinese markets created a unique setting for Jenn and Matt to bond with their son. Jake was literally a superstar everywhere we went in Beijing perhaps, stimulated by culturally driven concerns about our judgment as parents taking a baby outside so soon after birth and also, his cuteness. Matt learned how to change diapers and fell in love with his son while helping establish DLA Piper's new Beijing law office. Jenn returned home to New York City with Jake for a short stint without Matt to finish up her post doctorate program at Columbia.

Finally, in July 2006, Matt, Jenn and Jake were united as a family on one continent and moved into their current home in the Wallingford section of Seattle. Matt settled down in his position with DLA Piper, still shuttling occasionally back and forth to China, with Jenn holding down the home front with her position as assistant professor at the University of Washington. Matt loved his office in Seattle and held his colleagues in the highest regard. The clean air and easy access to running and bicycle trails where other things Matt loved about Seattle.

Matt was the kind of Dad who was just perfect at stepping into the roles his mother could not. He played for hours with Jake building Legos, playing computer games, Chess and soccer, taking Jake for bicycle rides, and to Chucky Cheese (yuk). He kept our home neat and loved to organize toys.
Zoe was born a few years after Jake. During this second birth experience, Matt was a skilled birth partner helping Jenn to give birth to Zoe naturally with Jake standing by his side. It's safe to say the four of us couldn't have been happier on the day of Zoe's birth on June 7, 2009. Matt enjoyed swimming and Spanish language classes with Zoe. Matt hugged, kissed and told his children and his wife that he loved them often.

So, how did Matt's life end so tragically? By all appearances, he was a man who had it all.

Beginning in September of 2010, Matt went into a major depressive episode that robbed him of his ability to sleep and left him constantly anxious. After months of medication changes and different therapists, Matt took his own life on Friday, February 18th 2011. He was in unbearable pain. His suicide was an illogical act of grief over what he saw as the loss of his mind and the belief that his family would be better off without him. These false ideas were horrible manifestations of his illness that could not be shaken. They robbed him of hope. Matt was a brilliant man who held himself to the highest of standards. He couldn't accept anything less than "perfect" and sadly, the knowledge that he had a mental illness represented that for him. These circumstances made it hard for Matt to benefit from the many mental health and other services he received. As his wife, I had a glimpse at the depth of his anguish, but never imagined he would take his own life.

I have no doubt that Matt adored me and his children. Jake was 5 and Zoe was 1 at the time of his death. I was so lucky to have been married to him and to have known him for half of my life.

Matt will forever be in our hearts… Jake and Zoe represent all the amazing gifts that Matt had to offer the world. Their lives and incredible spirits are his legacy.

Matt, as your wife, I want to let you know that I forgive you for what you have done. Rest in Peace, my sweet. We will always love you, remember you and will see you again in heaven.

Jenn

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Not sure what to say?

March 7, 2021

Acquaintance

Eileen CHU

Hi Matt, wish you are doing well in heaven.

March 5, 2019

Friend

Stephen C

I miss Matt's sincere & genuine friendship to this day! I often think of his laugh and smile. I hope to one day be able to express to his children what a wonderful professional and friend Matt was.

March 5, 2019

Family

Steven Cohen

Well I remember Matthew fondly, he was always the best of cousins and was kind and generous always. I remember admiring his electric football game as a kid and then him buying me dinner when I was older and him saying "Don't be ridiculous" when I offered to pay. Warmest Memories, Steven Cohen & Family

March 5, 2012

"Dear Family; Please accept my condolence. Keep close to your heart loving memories and cherished moments. May the Hearer of prayer comfort you. Psalms 65:2

December 5, 2011

Debra Ambrose

My Dearest Phyllis and Gary,
Oh I cannot begin to tell you how saddened I am to come across the news of Matts passing .. please accept my deepest sympathies and know my heart breaks for you .. I did not know! .. Phyllis I love you, and you have been on my mind .. I lost your number and I have been wanting to call you .. I am sorry to have found out this way .. Sending love n prayer n hugs ... Love You

April 27, 2011

Matthew, you were so loved, and you will always be. God created you with Love, and you were a gift to all those who were touched by your life. I will always remember you with respect, love, and great admiration for your accomplishments. I will remember your handsome & caring smile always. May God grant you peace, and I truly hope we will meet you again in the presence of our blessed Messiah. May your family feel God's peace, comfort and strength. And may they go forward being blessed by knowing and loving you. With Love, Your Cousin, Caralee

April 7, 2011

Dear Gary & Phyllis, our deepest sympathies on the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Fran & Ray Cahill

April 3, 2011

Zeph Grunschlag

I will always be grateful to Matt for welcoming me as his friend when no one else did. My formative years up to the age of nine were spent in Israel. Then my mother Sareva decided to return the U.S. and be closer to most of her family. When I started going to Solomon Schechter Day School, my English was halting and my social skills were lacking. While others teased me for my body shape or my unusual background, Matt was accepting. We became friends and he was my only friend at school during fourth and fifth grades. We remained close friends throughout elementary school and later at Akiba Hebrew Academy. Matt’s gentle spirit and acceptance of differences is a credo I try to live my life by and teach my children to strive for. I was glad to learn that he maintained his gentle approach even while achieving tremendous success in the harsh world of international corporate law. I am sure he touched others as he did me.

I mourn his loss and give my deepest condolences to Jenn, Jake and Zoe and to Phyllis, Gary, and Marc.

March 23, 2011

y.a.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

March 23, 2011

Dear friends, We were neighbors on Morefield Road and I had the privilege of being a babysitter for Matthew and Marc. I always felt your home was filled with love, respect and humor. Matthew was especially creative and brilliant. I am so sorry for your great loss. May the days soon grow longer and may more light flood the darkness. Grace Hammernick-DeBellis

March 23, 2011

To the Adler family,

Although, I never got the chance to meet Matt, I certainly know Marc and what a gift he is. I am so sorry to all of you and will pray for you. You are such a warm, loving family and I reflect on that at such a sad time.

My prayers are with you,

Gayle M. Polin-Ferreira

March 23, 2011

Alex KINSELLA

When I graduated university, I headed up to DC to job hunt. Matt picked me up from the airport, took me out to an amazing dinner, and put me up for four days as I hit the streets with resumes in hand.

Over those four days, I had the chance to get to know Matt better and learn an amazing amount about work and life and balance. He also taught me what LLP stands for - something I had made it through life without learning. Everytime I see LLP, I think of Matt and that DC trip and it brings a smile to my face.

I even had the chance to cook a meal for Matt - and I remember him thanking me because he hadn't had a home cooked meal in some time. It was the least I could do!

Matt - I'll miss you, and will always keep smiling when I see "something, something LLP".

Your cousin, Alex

March 23, 2011

Alex KINSELLA

When I graduated university, I headed up to DC to job hunt. Matt picked me up from the airport, took me out to an amazing dinner, and put me up for four days as I hit the streets with resumes in hand.

Over those four days, I had the chance to get to know Matt better and learn an amazing amount about work and life and balance. He also taught me what LLP stands for - something I had made it through life without learning. Everytime I see LLP, I think of Matt and that DC trip and it brings a smile to my face.

I even had the chance to cook a meal for Matt - and I remember him thanking me because he hadn't had a home cooked meal in some time. It was the least I could do!

Matt - I'll miss you, and will always keep smiling when I see "something, something LLP".

Your cousin, Alex

March 23, 2011

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO GARY &PHYLLIS ON YOUR LOSS. AL &ESTHER FOX (WEST PHILLY,JAN. 56)

March 23, 2011

Betsy & Michael Cancelliere

Dear Phyllis, Gary and Marc:
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved son and brother, Matthew. May he rest in peace and you always be surrounded by loving memories and those memories sustain you in the days ahead.

March 19, 2011

Janet and Barry Kinsella

We will never forget Matt's quiet and thoughtful kindness and generosity. In the late 1990's he came to Florida to meet up with his parents and Marc who were vacationing here. He was in our home for only a brief time but that was long enough for him to observe that Barry was a collector of Communist memorabilia. Shortly thereafter he returned to China and we were surprised only weeks later with a package from him. Inside, very security wrapped, were two iconic representations of Communism in China - a statuette of a young revolutionary guard proudly displaying the "little red book" and a plaque of Chairman Mao on a pedestal. These treasured possessions are on permanent display in our guest room - better known as the "Lenin Suite". We know there are many others around the world who were likewise recipients of Matt's unassuming but very genuine caring nature. Thank you Matt. Rest in peace.

March 19, 2011

Janet and Barry Kinsella

Dear Matt -We will never forget your quiet and thoughtful kindness and generosity. In the late 1990's you came to Florida to meet up with your parents and Marc who were vacationing here. You were in our home for only a brief time but that was long enough for you to observe that Barry was a collector of Communist memorabilia. Shortly thereafter you returned to China and we were surprised only weeks later with a package from you. Inside, very carefully wrapped, were two iconic representations of Communism in China - a statuette of a young revolutionary guard proudly displaying the "little red book" and a plaque of Chairman Mao on a pedestal. These treasured possessions are on permanent display in our guest room - better known as the "Lenin Suite". We know there are many others around the world who were likewise recipients of your unassuming but very genuine caring nature. Thank you Matt. Rest in peace.

March 17, 2011

Dear Matt: We will never be the same since we lost you 4 weeks ago. We are completely devastated!

love, Mom, Dad, and Marc

March 13, 2011

Diane Frankle

I had the honor of knowing Matt as my partner for many years and he was always kind and respectful of others, with a great heart, as well as brilliant and energetic. I loved talking with him - he was passionate about acting in his client's best interests, and doing the right thing. I will miss you, Matt, and my heart goes out to Jennifer, Jake and Zoe. Love, Diane

March 11, 2011

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Matt, a very special son, brother, husband, father and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you cousins Phyllis, Gary, Marc, Jenn, Jake and Zoe. With all our love,
cousins, Mark and Sandy Itkowitz

March 6, 2011

Sharon and Steve Weinstein

Matt was an amazing young man with a wonderful future. Born to loving parents, he was a shining star - in the legal world and to his family. Our deepest sympathies to Jenn, Jake and Zoe, to Phyl, Gary, and Marc, and to all whose lives he touched. We will miss you Matt...and we will remember you. Love, Sharon and Steve, Heidi, Ricky, Jason, Steph, Alex, Noah, Marla, Kurt and Justin.

March 2, 2011

Nicole Pressman

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and continued prayers are with Phyllis, Gary, and the family.

March 1, 2011

Jeff Coopersmith

I'll never forget Matt. In the legal profession, with the ever-present crush of work, deadlines, demands, and commitments, it is a rare thing to find a professional colleague that can truly be called a friend. I am proud to say that Matt was my good friend. We had so many good times and laughs together over the 5 years I knew him, and he eventually forgave me for forgetting my passport and having to turn the car around when we were practically at the Canadian border. Matt was as curious about my criminal defense practice as I was about his corporate practice. But Matt was so much more than just another corporate lawyer. He was one of the very few people I have ever met who actually had the intellect, technical ability, and sophistication to handle deals and other complex corporate legal work in as difficult and foreign an environment as China. I will always remember Matt's great gifts, his priceless sense of humor, and his loyalty. Jenn, Jake, and Zoe, you can always take great pride and hopefully comfort in the knowledge that Matt was a remarkable person in so many ways. We are all better for having known him.
-Jeff Coopersmith

March 1, 2011

Mollie Haukap

Being Matt's secretary was an honor and a privilege which allowed me to work with him every day on challenging and interesting projects. He often expected the impossible and I wanted nothing less than to deliver. I loved working with Matt. Matt was my friend and I will truly miss him.

March 1, 2011

Chris Holland

To Matt’s family, Jenn, Jake and Zoe,

I met Matt at Clifford Chance in 2000. He was my first real mentor and a very good friend. I can't think of someone who took more time to develop me as a lawyer and help me advance my career. He was also a loyal and generous friend and, among many memories, I remember playing basketball with him on the playgrounds of HK (we almost always lost) and taking a few golf trips, not to mention evenings out in Hong Kong where, as much as anything, Matt would talk about the love of his life Jenn.

Although I had lost touch with Matt the last few years, I know he was tremendously proud of his family. He spoke often about what a positive force marriage and having a family was in his life.

I will miss Matt terribly and am so sorry for your loss.

March 1, 2011

Jen Huang

It has been unbearingly sobering to feel Matt’s absence in the office.

I first met Matt in November 2006 in my third year of law school. Matt was looking for someone who could assist him with his China-based clients from Seattle, so he offered me a job. In winter 2006, I went back to China for winter break and met the attorneys whom Matt had worked with at the Beijing office. Matt was legendary at that office. He was admired and awed by many. In summer 2007, Vivian Wang, Matt’s associate in Beijing (first at Clifford Chance then at DLA Piper) came to Seattle for visit. Matt invited all of us to his house for dinner. He was vibrant and engaging. His wife, Jenn Stuber, was obviously an intellectual peer of his. Their son, Jake, who had just started walking, amused everyone by calling his mom Jenn and passing around napkins and utensils for desserts. In fall 2007, I started working at DLA Piper’s Seattle office.

Matt was a perfectionist. He had an ability to notice even the slightest mistakes in a document. His pencil was his weapon and he was never shy about writing down his editorial comments in the margin. He trained me with eternal vigilance towards details. In November 2009, Matt organized the China 2010 Conference with Thompson Reuters. He managed every single detail of that event, literally from venue to menu. He took it as a personal mission and joked about God’s punishment on him for not doing enough for his own wedding.

Matt had a dry sense of humor. Given the time difference with China, occasionally, we would work late at the office into the evenings. He would buy pizza. At the beginning, he would buy pizzas he liked. One day, I gathered my nerve and told him that I would like some mushrooms on my pizza. He really listened – I got a pizza with nothing else but mushrooms.

Matt was a private person. He seldom talked about his private life at work. In rare occasions when he did, his eyes would glow with joy and pride. He was very proud that Jenn is a professor at the University of Washington, that Jake loves painting, and that Zoey is adventurous.

Matt was a passionate person. He cared about women’s advancement in the legal profession. He was one of the two partners who attended the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle fund raising events. Days before his passing, he participated in the “wear red to work” campaign to raise awareness of women’s health.

Matt will be sorely missed, as a mentor and as a friend. My heartfelt condolences to his parents, Jenn, Jake and Zoey.

February 28, 2011

Michelle Jasper Brody

I was very close with Matt in high school and always thought I would talk to him again sometime. I am grateful that I got to experience great times and experiences with him that I carry with me. May Matt's family find comfort at this time of loss.

February 28, 2011

Dafei Chen

Jenn,

My deepest condolence to you, your lovely kids and your family. If there is anything I can help, please do not hesitate to let me know. Take care!

Matt was simply a great man. He taught me how to be a good lawyer when I worked with him at Clifford Chance. He could be demanding sometimes, but that was because he genuinely cared about development of young lawyers. I'm forever indebted to Matt's mentoring.

May Matt be at peace.

February 28, 2011

Li Fred

Matt struck me as a very considerate and gentle lawyer.

The first time I came to DLA from CC, a partner came by and said "Hello, Fred". I was new and did not know many people. This lawyer seemed a nice guy. Later, it learned that he was Matt, who left CC and established DLA Beijing Office. Wow, when I went to CC, he was a legend that people talked about. I heard so much about him. He was a "big partner". Now, on my first day at the office, he called my name even though I had no idea who he was at that moment!

In sharp contract to the impression that many lawyers give to people, Matt always had an aurora of serenity. I have never seen him raising his voice to any one. He always walked by with such peacefulness and politness that you woule feel at easy in his presence.

As we say in China, hao ren you hao bao (nice people will be treated nicely in the next life). Matt will have a great afterlife.

February 27, 2011

Sue Lockett John

I am so sorry that I never got the chance to know Matt, but I am so grateful for all I learned about him yesterday. Thank you, Jenn, Gary and everyone else who shared from your hearts. May the prayers, tears and continuing presence of your friends, family and colleagues bring bring some small measure of comfort.

February 27, 2011

Beth Hammonds

There are no words anyone can say , My heart, and my thoughts and my strenghts is yours to share Jen. ANything I can do to help you or your family. Matt be at peace.

February 27, 2011

Jodi Cohen

I just met Matt, Jen, Jake and Zoe on a recent trip to Maui. He was so great with the kids and so alive. It breaks my heart to hear of his passing. Jen -- Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!

February 26, 2011

Eileen Chu

To Matt, the best US lawyer that I have ever met

February 26, 2011

Vivian Wang

I used to work closely with Matt when I was at Clifford Chance and DLA Piper. He was my boss, but he meant much more to me than just a boss. We worked as a team; he trained me and helped me grow into a competent and confident lawyer in three years. The mentorship he provided to me has had a great impact on my career development.

For those who have not worked as a lawyer in China, you might not understand the challenge and difficulties of working in a completely different country with huge cultural and linguistic barriers. I admire Matt’s courage for not only taking that challenge, but succeeding so well. His intelligence, competence and his persistence, among many other qualities, helped him succeed. He was a trustworthy counsel for clients and performed his work artistically.

He is the best boss I have ever worked with. Although his professionalism frightened me in the beginning, it did not take long before I realized how kind and generous he is when he offers support to his associates. He once gave me a book “The Style of Writing” from his personal collection because he wanted me to improve my writing skills. He was available to review my draft documents and discuss legal issues any time no matter how busy he was. He fought fiercely for his associates’ welfare. Because of his support and advocacy, I was able to take leave from work and sit for the bar exam in the US. When he heard that I passed the bar exam, he said he was so excited when he saw my news he almost had a car accident. No one has invested in me professionally the way Matt did. I am so sad that I will never be able to repay him.

Matt loves his family so much. I was happy for him when Matt relocated to Seattle to be with his family. He often spoke of his family with affection and when I saw Matt’s family photo after Zoe was born, I was so happy to see his fulfilling family life.

Matt, I will not forget days and nights of hard working with you, I will not forget all the training and comments from you, I will not forget your singing of “Moon Represents My Heart” in your farewell party in Beijing at a Karaoke. I will not forget what a sincere and loyal friend and colleague you are.

My deepest condolence to Matt’s parents, Jen, Jake and Zoe. I don’t know what to say to ease your pain; I want you to know that my thoughts are with you.

February 26, 2011

Steve Cannon

I am in total shock! I can't express how much I genuinely admired Matt. He is one of those rare special people that you seldom cross paths with in life, but when you do, you always remember!

Sadly, I have not spoken with Matt for several months. Incredibly, today (2/26/11) at 3pm I randomly thought of Matt and desired to connect. I began searching him on the web, and to my shock, I discovered his passing, and that his funeral had JUST begun an hour ago! I am truly shaken! I can only imagine that he is in heaven now sending us all a message.

I will never forget Matt's intelligence, kind demeanor and most of all his smile that showed he understood & cared!

Former client, but more importantly a friend,
Steve Cannon

February 26, 2011

Lee Jarm

Our heartfelt condolences to the Adler family. From Bonnie, Lee, Charles, and Samantha Jarm

February 26, 2011

Steven Cohen

Matthew was my cousin. We played as children at family gatherings and I loved him, his brother Mark, his sweet parents and was priveledged to get to meet his lovely wife Jen whom he loved. My and my families deepest love go out to his wife, Jen and children and all their family and friends. Steven & Susie Cohen (Boynton Beach, FL)

February 25, 2011

Joel Chusid

I was very shocked and very saddened by Matt's passing. He was a first class gentleman and I will miss him at the Washington China Relations Council. My deepest sympathy to his family.

February 25, 2011

Christina Chang, Michael Braner, Dylan & Skylar

Matt had a kind heart, a quick mind, a gentle spirit, and a generous nature. He left us all too soon and he will be very missed. Jenn, Jake & Zoe: We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that you find peace knowing that Matt's legacy thrives in the very best in each of you. You are in our hearts and thoughts and we love you very much.

February 25, 2011

Joanna Xue

Condolences to Matt's family and colleagues. I was really impressed by the professionalism and help to our fund even during the illness. God bless you.

February 25, 2011

Michael Rawding

I am very shocked and saddened to learn of Matt's passing. I worked very briefly but closely with Matt in the Spring, Summer and early Fall of 2010. My best wishes to his family. Michael Rawding - Seattle

February 25, 2011

Gary & Marion Cohen

Matthew was the son of our cousins, Gary & Phyllis Adler, and the young man whom we admired the most. He was handsome, brilliant, witty, exciting, caring, and always thoughtful and gracious. We loved being with him, be it in Philadelphia and Tennessee when he was young, and in New York and Seattle when he was the brilliant lawyer in Columbia Tower or the gracious host, with Jenn at home. We commit him to our Lord, and send our love to Jennifer, Jake, Zoe, Phyllis, Gary, and Marc.

February 25, 2011

Gary & Marion Cohen

Matthew was the young man whom we admired most. Brilliant, kind, witty, thoughtful, pleasant, handsome, caring, and more. We enjoyed and loved him and whenever we were with him--in Philadelphia, New York, Seattle--we were happy and delighted, he made you feel that way. May his children forever know that they had a very wonderful father. Our love to Jennifer, Jake, Zoe, Phyllis, Gary, and Marc. We commit him to our Lord. ~ Gary & Marion Cohen

February 25, 2011

David Reitz

I was sorry to hear of Matt's recent death. I worked with Matt for a few years at DLA Piper and always stood in complete awe. We had a few laughs.

February 25, 2011

I will greatly miss a most gracious person, Matt Adler, and friend whom I had the pleasure of working with on the Executive Committee of the Washignton State China Relations Council. My sympathy to Matt's faimly and friends.
Don Vollmer

February 25, 2011

Joe Borich

My deepest condolences to Matt's family and colleagues. China was Matt's and my connection and shared passion. His work at the Washington State China Relations Council to help bring the benefits of engagement with China to the state of Washington was exemplary. His vision of friendship and cooperation between the U.S. and China as the key to world peace and prosperity will live on in our work.

February 25, 2011

Tim & Virginia Reardon

Condolences to Gary and Phyllis and Jennifer and hugs to Jake and Zoe. May you find strength in God, Many Blessings to heal and comfort you, Love Timothy and Virginia

February 24, 2011

"Matt, we met when we were babies, played,and shared holidays. You and your family have always been my "family". I will always hold our childhood memories in my heart." Ann Marie Cocci (Havertown, PA)

February 24, 2011

Ann Marie Cocci

Matt, we met when we were babies, played together,and shared holidays. You and your family have always been my "family". I will always remember you and hold you in the memories of my heart.

February 24, 2011

Dina Suhie Hutchinson

I was very sadden to hear this news. Condolences to the family. Although I have not spoken to Matt in 20 years, I have very fond memories of him. Matt will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 23, 2011

Christopher Vaughn

To Matt’s parents, Jennifer, Jake and Zoe,

My deepest condolences for the loss of your loving son, husband and father. I never had the pleasure of knowing you personally, but I’ve been a good friend of Matt’s for about 10 years now. Matt always spoke highly about each of you. He was particularly jubilant about Jake and Zoe.

I first became friends with Matt in Hong Kong at the turn of the millennium at an odd-chance meeting of a Democrats Abroad group where he was a young hot-shot associate with Clifford Chance and I was a poor lowly US law student at Hong Kong University. He was a terrific friend and mentor throughout that year in Hong Kong and has been for the 10+ years since. We kept in touch over the years and in July of 2006, we met again in Beijing. Now I was the young associate in China and Matt was the more seasoned partner at DLA. He warned me about the challenges of transitioning a Chinese legal practice back to the US, particularly with a family. His newest sources of pride were Jake, Jennifer’s new teaching post at the University of Washington and the prospect of a rooted family life in Seattle. A year later in 2007, he played an instrumental role in landing me a job with him at DLA. In October of 2009, a few months after Zoe’s birth, I flew to San Francisco to support Matt as chair of the Thomson Reuter’s China Deal 2010 Conference. He'd not only met the challenge of the transition home; he was thriving in it.

Matt was a rarity – a loving fellow with a terrific mind and a consummate gentlemanly way, who in a sharply competitive professional world, never re-directed those good qualities towards more unbecoming traits, either professionally or personally. Whether he was rowing dragon boats in laughter as a young fellow in Hong Kong, introspectfully sifting family and professional nuances over jiaozi in Beijing or serving as a mature US-China legal guidepost for us at that conference in San Francisco – Matt made time for it all, embraced it all and brought a sense of goodwill and kindness with him. I will miss him for that and for all of the good things that he gave to me as my friend and mentor.

During your darkest hours when you’re looking inward, may you find Matt there. Peace and God’s speed to my friend and to each of you.

Posted by Christopher Vaughn

February 23, 2011

harry marder

The marder family will miss you
Carol harry shari elyse wendy travis josh and chris

February 23, 2011

Cheryl Lee

Jennifer, Jake, Zoe and your families have lost a bright spot. Matt's shining star will now forever rest in heaven and in your hearts. May you find strength during these difficult times. Love, Cheryl (TONH Tax Office)

February 23, 2011

Andrew Ledbetter

Matt,
In the past few years, you pushed me to grow as a lawyer and a person. Thanks for sharing your talents, advice, trust and time. I am grateful for the chance to have worked with you, learned from you, and called you a friend.

February 22, 2011

Daniel Goldman

Matt, we shared so many memories my brain can't hold them all. You and your family were a huge part of my childhood and nothing can take that away. I will remember you as a witty, humble, confident, smart and caring friend. You and your family will always be in my prayers.

February 22, 2011

Bonnie Weisburd-Waldes

Matthew, it was an honor to teach you when you were a little boy! I know you gave joy to those who knew you! R.I.P. May God hold you in the palm of His hand!!!

February 22, 2011

Sharon Hanson

David, a man who knew the heart of God, bared his soul before the LORD, "You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?" (Psalm 56:8) God knows each of our paths through life and He knows our heartaches, teardrop by teardrop. May God give you peace as He tenderly lifts you in His eternal arms of comfort.

Posted by Sharon Hanson

February 22, 2011

Joel Weisberg

May his memory be for a blessing.

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