Matthew John Gersting

GERSTING, Matthew John, 35, of Orlando, Florida passed away Tuesday, April 19th, 2016. He was born in Tampa and moved to Orlando in 2002. In his all too brief life, Matthew accomplished many things and made innumerable friends along the way with each endeavor. He worked as a web developer and was highly respected in his field. He was a music aficionado who loved to sing a song passionately into the faces of his friends to make sure they understood its importance. His love of music led him to participate in many bands in both Orlando and Tampa. Matthew spent some time as a magician (ostensibly), a seasoned poker player, and a pinball enthusiast. Five years ago, he began performing stand-up comedy and quickly became both an advocate for and pioneer of the Orlando comedy scene, eventually becoming one of the founding members of the Orlando Indie Comedy Fest. He was above all things, a kind and loving person who never thought twice about helping someone in need, and that he did much of. It is impossible to express in words how much his family and many friends loved him and beyond impossible to convey just how much he will be missed by all who knew him. Matthew is preceded in death by his mother, Margo, 2006. Matthew is survived by his father, Mark and his wife, Donna of Valrico; brothers, Matthew Lincoln and Brett Heinz of Brandon; sister Autumn Etheredge of Tampa, Vanessa Collier of Valrico; paternal grandmother, Virginia Gersting of Brandon; maternal grandmother, Mary Hutchins of Clearwater; aunt, Lauren Friloux of Southaven, MS; nieces Lauren, Olivia, Paige, Hailey and Kate. A traditional celebration of his life will be held in the Tampa area at Grace Community United Methodist Church in Lithia on Monday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. In the Orlando area, a celebration of his life will take place at Will’s Pub, Saturday, April 30th at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Innocence Project.