Matthew Sowul

Matthew Bernard Sowul, known affectionately as Matty, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 87 in his Colts Neck, New Jersey home, surrounded by family in his favorite spot by the fireplace. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. He served with distinction as a U.S. Navy officer and chief engineer aboard the USS Hazelwood (DD-531), a Fletcher-class destroyer, during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Beyond his naval service, Matty owned the Long Branch Fishing and Amusement Pier, including its well-known Haunted Mansion. With his brother, he built custom homes in Monmouth Beach, Middletown, and Tinton Falls. He was an avid scuba diver, sailor, underwater photographer, gardener, reader, and accomplished cook, famous for his elaborate seafood extravaganzas and willingness to try new recipes for family and friends. He loved traveling to the Caribbean to sail and dive, and he approached life as a problem solver—whether tackling global issues or helping loved ones with their homes or cars. Matty cherished long summer days spent making memories with his children and grandchildren, from surfing and teaching them to drive a manual transmission to visiting as many ice cream parlors as possible in one evening.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Sowul; daughters Erin Sjoholm of Arroyo Grande, California, and Colleen Cardoza of Castro Valley, California; and four grandchildren, Adam Sjoholm of Menlo Park, California, Hanna Vandergrift of Oreland, Pennsylvania, Madeline Sjoholm of Somerville, Massachusetts, and Hunter Cardoza of Castro Valley, California. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Sowul, mother, Genevieve Sowul, brother, Bartholomew Sowul, and daughter, Tara Sowul.