Matthew Aldwin Santayana, 22, of Margate, FL died in a car accident as a passenger on the morning of February 21, 2016 while en route to Tampa, FL. Matt was born the youngest of three sons to Glen and Elizabeth Santayana on November 26, 1993 in Coral Springs, FL. He graduated from middle school at St. Andrew Catholic School and high school at St. Thomas Aquinas. He was a Nursing Major at Florida International University and was set to graduate in May 2016. As a student, Matt excelled academically in all schools.

Matt was a very spiritual young man and a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church. He grew up in the Couples for Christ family ministry, where he became a youth leader who inspired many other young people to grow in faith and strengthen their love for God. Matt was a well-gifted individual with love for photography, art, music and skateboarding. He was humble, generous, and always had a positive outlook on life. In his free time, Matt enjoyed staying active, being in good company, and making others laugh. He had a smile that could light up a room and could easily make anyone feel at ease with his demeanor and charm. He was truly an extraordinary son, brother, uncle, friend, nephew, boyfriend, and human being. Matt continues to inspire others through the life he lived.

A man of God, Matt was also a man of his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Glen and Elizabeth; his eldest brother, Glen Jr. with wife Martha and son Benjamin ("Benny"); and older brother Justin with fiance Gian. Matt also leaves behind his beloved girlfriend of five years, Adrienne, whom he adored and loved. Matt will be greatly missed by all.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 and Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Matthew will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery.