Matthew Hartwick, Palm Bay

Matthew "Matt" Hartwick, 53, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family after an eight month courageous battle with cancer.

Matts passions in life were offshore fishing and sailing. He was an avid Dolphins and NASCAR fan and a muscle car enthusiast. He had served in the US Navy and was employed as an electronic technician for Caelum Research Corporation at Kennedy Space Center. He was also a member of IBEW local # 288.

Matt was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. His family includes his loving and devoted wife Rhonda; two sons, Wade Hartwick and his wife Lena and Beau Hartwick; a stepson, William Batsford III; his father, James W. Hartwick; a sister, Juliet Hildreth and her husband Joe; three brothers, Beau, Chris and Timothy Hartwick; his in-laws and a special aunt, Ida Hardin.

A memorial service celebrating Matts life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at South Brevard Funeral Home, 1001 South Hickory Street, Melbourne.

Memorial contributions can be made in Matts memory to the Christian Development Center, 345 Nail Street NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907. Arrangements by South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne 724-2222, please send condolences and sign guest book at www.affuneral.com.