NAPLES — Matthew J. “Matt” “Hoss” Baserwski, 32, of Naples, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Naples.

He was born on March 6, 1989, in Waterbury, Conn., the son of John Baserwski and Elaine (Everett) Merced. He attended school in Casco/Naples and graduated from Lake Region High School.

Matt moved to Maine as a baby with his family.

Matt enjoyed working as a CNC operator at Yankee Machine, but also loved to cook and try new things and couldn’t wait for someone to try his new concoction. He always cooked in his family’s restaurants, Franco’s Bistro, Merced’s, as well as other local restaurants during the pandemic. He had a dream of owning his own food truck one day.

Matt had a heart of gold and would do anything for you. His constant smile and contagious laugh were infectious, especially if he got to telling his jokes. Matt loved being with family and friends. He enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, floating down rivers, boating, catching frogs as a kid he would be with his Pop and cousins down at the lake. The Lake Region was a perfect place for Matt, he loved everything outdoors even just being in the woods, by a creek, at a bonfire and having a cold one. He also loved music — both listening to or trying to play, as Tyson Barker said “we made a lot of noise!” It is so hard to write about him, he was one hell of a friend, brother, nephew, son; anyone who was fortunate enough to have had him in their life knew that. He was known for saying, “I am not here for a long time but I am here for a good time, Hoss.” He lived his life with gusto and imagination, and he will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. God has another angel and Matt can rest easy with those that passed before him.

He is loved by his mother, Elaine Merced and her husband, Frank; stepbrother, “Frankie,” his fiancee’ Brandi, kids Frankie and Emmarie. Tyson Barker, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Jim, cousins James and Alyssa Kepler; stepsister, Judy, Aunt Dorthea, Aunt Cassie and her son, Stephen, Uncle Wayne and his daughters, Mandy and Melissa.

He was predeceased by his brother, John Michael Baserwski, his father John “Bunga” Baserwski, his Pop Jack and Gram Kay Everett, Grandpa Mike and Cecile Baserwski.

There will be a celebration of his life at the American Legion in Naples, Maine, on January 16 from 12 to 3 p.m. with a time for those who would like to share a story or speak at 2 p.m.

The family requests if you are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco. Tributes may be shared with Matt’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.