Death Announced of Matthew Thomas Henderson, Lyme-Old Lyme High School Class of 2018

Matthew Thomas Henderson, 25, formerly of Old Lyme, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Matthew was born on August 4, 2000, in New Haven, to Gregory Henderson and Ellen Raftery Henderson. Olivia, his older sister, and Matthew shared a deep bond of loyalty and everlasting love. Matthew was a genuinely kind young man and a rare gentleman with an inherent sense of integrity. His easy grace, generosity, and beautiful soul left an indelible impression on everyone he met.

A graduate of Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools, Class of 2018, Matthew was a dedicated athlete who played lacrosse and soccer for the Wildcats. Matthew’s true athletic passion was ice hockey. As a senior in high school, Matthew played for East Haven High School as part of the school’s inaugural hockey co-op program.

Following his graduation from St. John’s University with a degree in finance, Matthew felt a great sense of pride and enthusiasm regarding his position at The Irving Fund in New York, where he forged meaningful bonds of friendship and mentorship with his colleagues that he was looking forward to deepening and expanding in the years to come.  

Matthew was an avid fan of New York sports, a passion fostered and shared with GPa Raftery, his “best friend.” His teams included the Jets, St. John’s basketball, and the Yankees, but he was especially devoted to the New York Rangers. Matthew also enjoyed fishing and skateboarding from an early age. Beyond sports, Matthew had a creative side and possessed a natural talent and love for painting, sculpture, photography, and music. He spent his spare time capturing now-treasured photographs of New York architecture and visiting Manhattan’s museums and galleries. He cherished his family, his many friendships from childhood, teammates, schoolmates, fraternity brothers, and professional colleagues.

Matthew is survived by his heartbroken parents, Ellen and Greg; his sister, Olivia; his nephew, Caden Bowden; Caden’s father, Christopher Bowden of Portland, ME; aunts and uncles Edward (Angela) Henderson of Manhasset, NY; Jane Henderson of Branford; George (Martha) Raftery of Locust Grove, VA; Ann Marie Raftery of Fayston, VT; and Thomas (Toni) Raftery of Palmer, AK; cousins Kimberly (Greg) LiCalzi of Manhasset, NY; Teddy (Mackenzie) Henderson of Manhattan, NY; Sean (Cordula) Raftery of Falls Church, VA; Taylor Raftery of Palmer, AK; and Dillon (Amos) Raftery of Portland, ME; and his maternal grandmother, Barbara Raftery, of Bayside, NY. He was predeceased by grandparents, Edward J. and Jayne E. Henderson, and Dr. Thomas Raftery and Mary Raftery, as well as his beloved black Labrador, Maggie, who we know was eagerly awaiting his arrival.

The incredible outpouring of love and support shown to Matthew’s family is a testament to his character and the effect he has had on so many.  The family thanks those for the comfort provided during this inconceivably difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the form of a check to the East Haven Athletic Department, memo: Hockey team, in memory of Matthew Henderson #17. Send to: Christopher M. Teto, 97 John St, East Haven, CT 06513

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Rd, Old Lyme, on April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and directions.