Wilfredo Matias, age 44 of Bridgeport, returned to the Loving Arms of the Lord on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Freddie, as he would be called graciously by everyone he knew, was born in Utuado, PR, but at an early age had relocated to the Bridgeport area and had resided here since. Freddie was appreciated and loved by everyone he knew. Oh but what a contagious personality he had. One that whoever met him would come to appreciate him and know that they had come across one of the most genuine souls they could ever meet. He was a person that everyone knew they could rely on, who always had an ear to lend whenever someone needed someone to talk to. He was a person who shared everything he had inside his heart and also materially because nothing had the value that those he loved had in his heart! He never permitted material things take the place of the parents, siblings and children he had. Nothing was worth enough not to risk losing it for one of them or all of them. There was not a selfish bone in his body and everyone that knew him knew that fact. Whenever you saw him, you were immediately drawn by his contagious laughter and jokes which led you to appreciate his wonderful sense of humor. Laugher and jokes were part of his every minute in life. At an early age, Freddie had been blessed with the ability to be committed to reaching new heights, with a work ethic rarely seen in young men that age. But he was committed to working and diligently obtain new levels, not for himself alone but to share with his family and friends alike. As he worked, he was able to obtain property (ies), a boat, jet skis and did so with the purpose of creating wonderful times for him, his family and his friends alike. He never hesitated in demonstrating the love and affection he had for his family. Everyone knew that! At the time he was most delicate, truthfully he was the strongest as he was actually many times keeping reserved the true feelings he experienced with the sole purpose to not worry anyone. Whoever knew Freddie, knew that everyone's well being and as long as everything they needed they had, it was gonna be ok. That is the Freddy that was in this world. The one that although he wished life was perfect always, he stopped at nothing, making sure that whatever needed a resolution that it be obtained just to make sure everyone was at peace, that they could smile, that they could laugh! Whatever they needed, and regardless of anything in life he needed to sacrifice, he would do it at the bat of an eyelash because none of it was worth not fighting for them every minute of every day. If only we all had a Freddie in our life! As long as his Familia was ok, Life was then perfect! Freddie was a very simple person. He didn't need much for himself, he didn't care for much but whatever he did want, what he did do, whoever knew him knew he didn't do it for him, for his own liking most of the time, yet for everyone else in mind! Words are not enough to describe the amazing person he was and how blessed a person felt to know that you were a friend of a man with such high Caliber. Nobody could ever say that the NO word or I cant words were part of his vocabulary. He had been employed at Bridgeport hospital as a Security officer and working endless shifts at times for years, but everything he did, he gave his all. Just experiencing a friendship with Freddie allowed you to really see how God' intended purposes are always done. He was the framed poster of how people should be with each other, how much you should be a contributor in the life of others. The fact that we are called to give not to be given to, that we are called to bless and not expect in return because God takes care of the rest every step of our lives. In Freddie's short life, he leaves so many memories, and today are worth priceless amounts. Most recently Freddie was excited to learn how his efforts will pay off as he focused on his health and improving his quality of life which had taken a toll on him physically above all. An unfortunate incident at work had resulted in him not being able to get to his normal routine and thus the reason for his excitement of finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Regardless of the most recent challenges, Freddie remained optimistic and his natural persona was always evident in every minute. He hid Freddie's problems to make other's laugh, He hid Freddie's needs when things got rough, just to sit and laugh with those he loved. If you knew Freddie, you knew He would always put himself aside to make sure you were ok. He knew deep down everyone had love for him, thus sometimes the reactions and things done, but above all because ultimately Freddie was loved without a doubt. He adored his grandaughter Gianna Diaz-Matias whom he made sure he was constantly calling his daughter in Florida to talk, to see the baby, through video conferencing there was a relationship built with the genuine Freddie who every day unbeknownst to all was apparently getting weaker. He never wanted anyone worrying about him, He just wanted to give what he knew they wanted, they needed, and again once demonstrating his non selfish ways because its how he was, how he lived, caring for everyone else, caring to make everyone happy and making sure everyone was ok! we truly cannot speak enough of this great man, and have no doubts that God's arms embraced him, We have no doubts, that he closed his eyes here, and opened them there, that God knew it was the needed route to walk although suddenly but with the purpose to allow him the rest he needed in God's Presence because one thing was true and that was the knowledge he had of Christ Jesus. The knowledge that always creates a relationship, that always ignites some level of intimacy with God, that relationship between the mind and heart of a man and the God that created that man. Freddie may have left us, but his memory, his heart, his humor, those moments, and everything that we will touch that will remind of us him, can only bring out the goodness of who he was kept alive in our minds and hearts; Without a doubt God has blessed us on this earth from knowing such an amazing person who was nothing less than an exemplary. That was Freddie, that is the amazing man that has left us and more. Never perfect, but Perfect enough, Never faultless but above all Forgiven but HE who has that power and HE who will never leave or foresake us He will forever be missed, he will forever be remembered and although our hearts wish his departure were not so, and our minds cannot comprehend, we trust God and His Decisions and His reasons for taking you home, but as time passes here on the earth that we cannot spend time with you, that we regret the fact that you left, now more than ever, now and forever we are firm in our belief, that in this test, we know and trust that God ALWAYS takes the best!
Besides his mother Abigail Reyes and his dad Virgilio Reyes whom was his pops since he was a child, Freddie is survived by his Daughter Yamilette Matias-Lopez; his sons Jonathan and Nathan Matias; his siblings Alexis Reyes and Joel Reyes and his spouse Jasmine; his grand baby who was the light of his eyes Gianna Diaz-Matias. His God Daughter Melanie Lampkin; his nieces Elie A. Reyes and Avery Reyes whom he also loved spending time with as much as he could because they brought so much joy into his heart; and countless other relatives and friends whom will sorely miss him.
Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Funeraria Luz de Paz, (Peaceful Light Funeral Home), 426 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT; The Final disposition will be kept private as it is the wish of the family to do so in an intimate personal fashion. We have no doubts of the amount of persons who love Freddie, therefore if it is your intention to attend the viewing and/or visitation (one in the same), be advised of the Restrictions implemented due to covid which we execute strictly for the safety and well being of everyone coming to our home.
We at the Funeraria Luz de Paz are strongly and have the unwaivering commitment to adhere to all laws pertaining to the protection and reducing the possibilities of anyone contracting or being exposed to COVID 19 or any other illness for that matter. Therefore, we encourage the information below be considered to become a vital part of making sure Freddie's visitation is conducted without any inconveniences and /or having patience to consider the process that has to be taken to execute the regulations as best we can.
Freddie, Forever you will have a place in our hearts, and that forever place is just that, a solid, engraved, encrusted part of our hearts that can never be erased and we will always keep it that way! Soar to the heavans above, and we await that day, till God's promises become the reality in the lives of all, where we will forever share eternity, not only worshipping God but with the blessing of seeing you the best you have ever been!
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REGARDING RESTRICTIONS due to COVID 19 Regulations, restrictions and policy implemented at all times within our facility!
The Covid-19 Virus, the rules, regulations, limitations, and everything that has been stated by the government health officials has been challenging for all and funeral homes are not exempt from such plentiful rules and regulations. We want everyone to keep in mind, thus regulations and rules are made for the GENERAL well being and health of the public. In Connecticut we have had the bountiful Blessing to see that our efforts of committing to the guidelines set forth to prevent the exposure to the virus has not gone unrewarded, BUT we know and can clearly see around the world that getting comfortable will only create the possibility to allow all of our efforts to become null and void and all the progress we have had, be destroyed. Our State once again moves on to open and return back to normal implementing each phase, the current guidelines have determined that during viewing and visitation, and Funeral Services and these guidelines are STRICTLY adhered to and all attendees are expected to adhere to such regulations during their visit or unfortunately will be required to request such person (s) to exit our facility for the safety of all. Under no circumstance can we permit our facility to become a place where others should feel nothing less than safe and welcomed. Therefore such are the things we request all visitors to follow:
- 49 persons or less would be the amount of persons permitted inside the funeral home at one given time.
-Anyone outside will be able to hear the service and all announcements made throughout the evening.
-anyone Inside the facility and even those outside creating the line down the back ramp to await others to exit to be granted the opportunity to enter it is REQUESTED that a 6 ft social distancing requirements be followed
-Back entrance of the funeral home will be the EXCLUSIVE ENTRANCE AND EXIT throughout the entire viewing time.
-Masks are REQUIRED TO ENTER
-Masks are REQUIRED DURING THE ENTIRE STAY
-Masks MUST cover the face and mouth during the entire stay (No exceptions) (anyone not covering their mouth and nose during their stay will be asked to leave immediately. PLEASE EVERYONE THIS IS FOR EVERYONE.
-ALL FRIENDS are requested by the family and funeral home to come in when guided by funeral home staff, pay your respects, greet the family if you wish, the exit to the parking lot allowing others that may be in line to come in and do the same, BUT absolutely ONLY Blood relatives instructed by the family will remain inside the facility. Everyone's cooperation is what makes this possible and allows us to make this happen regardless of the restrictions and allowing everyone who loved, cherished and appreciated their loved one to come, pay their respects and all share time as a family, comfortably without having to go outside over and over to allow others to come in. Yet with everyone's cooperation, they remain inside as the family and everyone that comes through inspires them as the love that their loved one shared with each and everyone is supporting their hearts and minds with their presence and shared memories!
We understand the cumbersome and uncomfortable nature of the wearing of masks, BUT:
Consider this : YOU may run into someone ASYMPTOMATIC (they don't know, and you don't know) and suddenly your exposed because inside the building you decided, I don't like the mask covering my nose. YOU return home and expose your entire family including parents and even causing the death of someone dear to you, like a grandparent or parent as we just experienced with a family served, simply because you didn't want to be uncomfortable for 10 minutes which should be the maximum amount of time any friends would remain in the funeral home. Is it worth it? We may be young, we may be strong, and we may be "healthy" but maybe just maybe someone you run into is not and YOU are the reason they are now possibly exposed. It's not worth it, let us all work together while we are out to protect each other, protect our families, protect our homes until this invisible threat which has been a nightmare for so many, becomes a memory most want to forget! Let us work to keep the levels where they are and even lower with our help and God's guidance and blessing above all!
Online Access to view the services live may be done by following directions below. Please know Viewing is DURING the viewing hours and we DO NOT record the service for later viewing!
TO JOIN US VIA LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER
-please make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
-open your web browser to the following address..... zoom.us
-upper right hand corner you will find a button which is labeled "Join a Meeting"
-the meeting ID requested at the time will be 2033308081
-the password will be 7777
-final automated steps will occur with your permission granting such access on your system to view the services as they happen. Keep in mind it will only be during the service and will not be available after the service for viewing at a later Time.
IF YOUR JOINING US VIA TABLET OR TELEPHONE (IOS OR ANDROID):
-please visit the google play store or Apple app store
-in your search bar enter Zoom cloud meetings
-Download the app onto your unit
-after downloading the app, press on the app to enter
-click on the button , "Join a meeting"
-enter the number 2033308081 which is the meeting code
-enter the pass code: 7777
-join the meeting with your camera on and the device sound, that way you will be able to see and be seen, listened and heard.