North Haven Firefighter Matthias A. Wirtz, 46, of North Haven passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, December 26, 2022, while protecting his community fighting a fire with his brother firefighters. He was the loving husband of Barbara Cardito. Matt was born in New Haven on August 25th, 1976 and was the beloved son of Erika Zwinger Wirtz and the late Matthias L. Wirtz. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, West Haven, he later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven. He was a firefighter for the North Haven Fire Department for 22 years and a security guard for Hopkins School, New Haven. He taught future firefighters at Gateway Community College Fire Program. He was an avid soccer fan, 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the New Haven County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and the Meriden Turner German Society. Brother of Monika Lussier, Helga Beckett, the late Peter Wirtz and their children. Also survived by Barbara’s children Raymond Ayoub, Alexandra Springer (Christopher) and his faithful companion, his dog Rosie.
The visiting hours will be Monday, Jan 2nd from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Tuesday Jan 3rd at 11:00. Entombment with full departmental honors will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. Please omit flowers and if so desired, a contribution in Matt’s name may be made to North Haven Professional Firefighters Charitable Association, PO Box 191, North Haven, CT 06473.
To the family, I am so sorry to learn of Matthias passing & I will cherish our final conversation we had 2 weeks ago. Vivat Jesus to a brother Sir Knight & a friend
We all will miss Matt at BigY he was our regular customer several times a day . He knew all of our names and always made sure he said hello and goodbye. A loving person and gentleman North Haven has lost a valuable part of our community but God needed you more. Rest In Peace
Erika, I was so very sorry to hear of Matthias passing. Having also lost my husband and son I fully understand your grief May God bless you and give you peace.
I was devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Firefighter Matthias Wirtz. My condolences to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew Firefighter Wirtz, especially his brothers and sisters in the North Haven Fire Department Community.
RIP Sir. Matthias, you will be missed by many. May god watch over Erika and and all your family
Dear Erica & Barbara- No words can ever express the sorrow and pain, you are going through. When Opa passed, Matt and I joked that Peter greeted him at the gate and they went off for a beer! Now, it’s the three German Boys sitting at the bar, in their shorts watching soccer eating ham off the bone! May you both find comfort of the many happy years together and feel blessed for those years.
Barb, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family and praying for strength for you all. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful partner in life and I know he will be with you always.
Sincerely,
Angela DeCapua (from V5N)
Childhood friends are often separated by time and distance. The bonds we make as children last forever and are unbreakable. Your laugh still makes us all smile…and always will.
Peter DePaola
Mobile, AL
Sorry to hear for you LOSS and pain! Praying for strength for you all
Brother Knight from Southington Ct
Jean
Assy. 101 Waterbury
My most deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss may you rest in peace brother sir knight.
I’m so sorry to hear of Matthias’s passing. I was part of the Columbian Squires many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Rest In Peace my friend.
My thought and prayers to the family of Matthias. ThankYou for your years of service and your unconditional passion for taking care of others.May you rest in peace and May your family, friends, and your firefighter brothers, and sisters find peace in the fond memories you created with them. You will always be remembered as a dedicated and honorable man❣️
Condolences and prayers 🙏to Firefighter Matthias A. Wirtz family.
This tragedy happened about a mile from where I grew up in the Montowese section of North Haven. May God bless and watch over his family and the entire North Haven Fire Department. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Firefighter Matthias A. Wirtz. Thank you for your service to the community of North Haven, Connecticut and beyond… You will always be remembered as a “Connecticut Treasure”! Rest in peace.
Rose Gaudio Lamy, State Retiree
Connecticut Ambassador
Such a sad situation. Matt was a wonderful gentleman. Rest in peace my friend.