Matthew Sean Pera

April 18, 2018

CHARLOTTE - Matthew Pera, 48, died on April 18th after a long and difficult battle against depression.   

Matt was a lifelong Charlottean. He was born January 3, 1970 to Judy and Albert Pera and grew up in Landsdowne with his brother, Ryan Pera of Houston, Texas. He was a high school soccer star, playing on many club teams throughout childhood, and graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1988.  

After attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, he returned to Charlotte and began a lifelong career in the restaurant industry, becoming a well-known, welcoming face in the dining rooms of some of Charlotte's best-known eateries. Matt would eventually open and run three popular establishments with his partner, Chef Tom Condron, fulfilling and exceeding his dream of owning his own restaurant. In 2009, The Liberty restaurant opened in South End; Charlotte’s first gastropub was embraced by all, winning awards for its food and accolades for an extensive beer and wine selection. Lumiere, a modern French bistro in Myers Park and a tribute to Matt’s love of all things “soignee,” opened in 2014 to become a beloved destination dining spot for Queen City residents for special occasions as well as neighborhood socializing. Perceiving a need for a pub to serve their own neighborhood, Matt and Tom opened The Liberty Blakeney earlier this year. Matt took great pride in his role as a small business owner, and counted the development and success of each of the restaurants’ employees’ as his own. 

Matt's love of Charlotte and his family, and a passion for travel, were unwavering constants in his life. He visited many countries with his brother, and then his wife Lisa and son Gian. A love of sports was shared with his father as well as his son, and the three attended many professional sports events together until Al's passing in 2014, an event from which Matt struggled to recover. Matt was outgoing, charismatic and popular throughout his life, and gathered friends at every turn. His greatest achievement and genius-level talent, however, was unquestionably in his role as father. Matt was self-appointed breakfast chef and chief of rough-housing and never missed a day on the job; the father and son together could not fail to bring a smile to any on-looker, so evident was the love and bond between them. It is thus with heavy hearts that we must now recognize how much pain Matt hid from the world with his quick wit and generosity.  He is survived by his wife Lisa, his son Gian, his brother Ryan, his mother Judy, as well as Sallie Scarborough, John Russell and many other friends that Matt counted as family. 

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to contribute to The Albert Pera Endowed Scholarship for Culinary Arts, c/o Darlena Goodwin, Johnson & Wales University,  801 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org).   

Family and friends will gather next Sunday, April 29th to recall and celebrate the cherished, joyous time we had with Matt, at The Liberty South End from 4-6 PM. We also invite Matt's many friends to share their memories at Facebook.com/groups/Matthew Pera Remembrance Page.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can also be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

 

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  • Bruce Hensley

    Jill and I are sorry for your loss and send heartfelt condolences to Matthew's friends and family during your bereavement. He will be missed.

  • John Kiser

    To the Family of Matt Pera:

    I was deeply saddened to learn of Matt's untimely passing.

    I fondly recall Matt as a West Charlotte student who was extremely conscientious, hard-working, cooperative, and easy to work with. I especially remember one incident where Matt came to me somewhat desperate because the speaker chosen for the National Honor Society inductions had to cancel at the last minute. Although the time was short, Matt was in a bind, so I somewhat reluctantly agreed to speak. Fortunately, the ceremony went well, and the students responded by giving me a standing ovation.

    During lunch, Matt appeared in my classroom doorway, and we chatted about the inductions. He graciously expressed his gratitude for my helping him out, and he commented enthusiastically on the nature of my speech. It's moments like this which made teaching so rewarding and worthwhile, a special moment I will always cherish.

    During this difficult time, may the love of God grant you peace, the love of friends bring you comfort, and the love of Matt live forever in your hearts.

    Sincerely,
    John Kiser
    aka
    "Doc"

  • Kati Roy

    My heart goes out to you, Lisa and Gian, at this very, very sad time. May you feel God's loving embrace at all times.

  • Judge David S. Cayer

    Matthew was a gracious host at his restaurants and very loyal to his customers and friends. I appreciate his kindness over the years. God bless his family during this sad time.