Matthew Swetland

Matthew J. Swetland, 49, of Gering, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff following a long illness and courageous battle.  Services will be held at a later date in Gering, Nebraska as well as Buffalo and Portville, New York.  Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes.  A memorial fund will be established in lieu of flowers to benefit Matt’s two sons.

Matthew was born February 22, 1972 at St. Francis Hospital in Olean, New York.  The son of Lynford O. and Shirley J. (Mitchell) Swetland.

Matt attended elementary school in Alliance, Nebraska and Portville Central School in Portville, New York for his middle school and high school years.  He was a very proud member of the Class of 1990.  He was an All-Star athlete in both football and track & field.  Matt was more than grateful for the many opportunities he was afforded as a result of his life growing up in Portville and Alliance.

Matt enlisted in the US Army after graduation.  He served from August 1990 through 1993.  He was a proud soldier serving in the 82nd Airborne.  His military service took him to South Korea, where he served on the DMZ, and throughout much of the United States.  His three years of US military service is a resume of high function and commendation for outstanding service to his country.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Matt attended Alfred State College (Fall 1993-Spring 1995) and Buffalo State College (Fall 1995-Spring 2001) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education/social studies and a Masters of Science in Personnel Administration.  Matt both played and coached football at Buffalo State.  It was there that he developed a significant interest in the Track & Field throws events.  Matt would go on to coach some of WNYs highest achieving high school throwers.

Matt worked as an admissions counselor for Buffalo State College before beginning his teaching/coaching career in Buffalo area schools.

He taught and coached in Buffalo public and private schools until accepting a position at the Ellicottville BOCES where he taught for fifteen years.

Matt married Jennifer Roche in July 2004.  They had two sons; Cameron and Jack.  His two boys meant everything to Matt.  He developed many meaningful friendships throughout his life.  With the support of his family, treasured sons, and great friends, his life was absolutely and completely full of love.  Matt was a loving and caring member of his own and extended families including his mother, Shirley (Charlie) Mitchell-Schurer; brother, Gary (Elizabeth); nephews, Garett and Chase; niece, Reece; uncles, Frank Dale (Vadene) Mitchell and Norman Jay (Laurie) Galyen; one step sister; four step brothers; along with several cousins and extended family members.  All of whom meant a lot to him.  Matt will be remembered for all of the love and laughter he gave to everyone who ever met him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edward and Doris Swetland; maternal grandparents, Alva M. and Frances M. Mitchell-Galyen; uncle, Bernard Swetland; aunt, Pauline (Bob) Braggins; and infant brother, Jeffery Swetland.