Mat Bisaro

Matthew “Mat” Joseph Bisaro, aged 42, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at home, way too soon, on June 14, 2026. Mat was born in London, England, on September 6, 1983. After first moving with his parents to Auburn, AL, Mat grew up in Columbus, where he graduated from Hilliard Davidson High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in linguistics from The Ohio State University.

Whether behind a drum kit or behind the bar, he was a master of his craft, and his humor and gift for listening drew people to him wherever he went. He was endlessly talented and brilliant, without ever knowing it. His secret gift was providing deeper understanding to--everything—regardless of whether it was a grilled cheese sandwich, Cold War geopolitics, or music, which followed him like a shadow. But his real gift, one that touched everyone who knew him, was seeing the best in people. If you were lucky enough to have Mat in your corner, you knew you had someone you could always rely on.

Mat passed peacefully early Sunday morning, June 14th, with his partner, Hannah Hoover, by his side. His final days were filled with music, his favorite foods, and the quiet comfort of loved ones gathered at home. He spoke often of gratitude—for the support of his family, the deep friendships that shaped his life, and the small things, such as another beautiful, sunny day. For now, his family is taking time to rest. A celebration of Mat's life will be announced in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, his loved ones ask that you play or listen to a favorite song and share a mock/cocktail with someone you love. If Mat were here, that’s exactly what he would be doing.

Mat is survived by his devoted family: partner, Hannah and son, Luca; sisters, Tina (David) Buhlman and Rachel (David) Cornett; parents, David (Deborah Parris) and Elissa; nephew, Simon Buhlman and nieces, Aurora and Stella Cornett. Mat was blessed to have many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as countless other family members—both those he inherited and those he gathered along the way. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Joe and Esther Kamalay, and Feruccio and Rita Bisaro; and uncles, Leslie (Marsha Kamalay) Browne and Joseph “Budde” (Paulette Pierson) Kamalay. Mat will always be loved and sorely missed.