Matthew J. “Matt” Cady – 32 – of North Almond Valley Road, Arkport, died unexpectedly Friday evening (April 3, 2026) in a one car motor vehicle accident.
Born in Hornell on April 24, 1993, Matt was the son of Timothy Cady and Kelly Sanford.
Matt grew up in Hornell where he attended School and built a foundation of the man he would become – hardworking, resilient, and deeply loyal. He spent most of his adult life working in construction as a foreman at Universal Builders of Canisteo NY. Though roofing was his primary trade, those who knew him best knew he could do just about anything. He was the kind of person who figured things out, fixed what was broken, and never hesitated to lend a hand.
A true “outdoorsman,” Matt found peace and purpose in the woods. He had a deep passion for hunting, often rising before dawn and spending long days surrounded by nature. It wasn’t just about the hunt, it was about the connection. Time with family, shared traditions, and quiet moments grounded him. Above all, he loved the chase, and he carried that drive into every part of his life.
When he wasn’t in the woods you could find Matt on surrounded by the things he loved – his “toys”: tractor, side-by-side, dirt bike, snowmobile, and motorcycle. He took pride in his garage, a space he built himself, where he spent countless hours working, laughing, and kicking back a few Bud Lights – while fixing whatever needed fixing for friends and family. Those moments weren’t just hobbies: they were memories in the making.
At his core, Matt was a deeply loving and protective husband and father. He was incredibly proud of his wife and girls and that love showed in everything he did. He was generous to a fault – the kind of man who would give you his last dollar, show up without being asked, and stand by you no matter what. If you needed him he was there. No hesitation. No questions.
He will be remembered for his loyalty, his grit, his big heart, and the way he showed up for others. He leaves behind a legacy not of perfection, but of love, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to his family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maci Lynn Cady who died March 12, 2013; his nephew, Leo Macen Quinlan who died September 14, 2022; and cousin, David Cady who died September 29, 2007.
On June 17, 2017, Matt was married to the former Kayla Mack (Cady) who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Jemma Burrell Cady of Arkport and Harper Cady of Arkport; his parents, Timothy Cady & Kelly Sanford of Hornell; 2 sisters, Brandy (Bryan) Vandermallie of Arkport & Katie (Mikel) Quinlan of Canisteo; maternal grandparents, Philip & Eloise Sanford of Hornell; paternal grandparents, Milton Cady JR of Woodhull NY, and Carolyn Cady of Troupsburg NY; nieces & nephews, including Cole Stage, Alivia Vandermallie, Jeffery Vandermallie, and Kylan Quinlan; as well as aunts uncles and many cousins who will miss him dearly.
The family of Matthew J. “Matt” Cady will receive friends on Sunday (April 12, 2026) from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12:00 (Noon) with Pastor Shannon Brumfield of the Canisteo Wesleyan Church officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond.
Matt’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22201 by visiting www.researchautism.org. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
