Matthew Friar

Matthew Curtis Friar, 32, of Charleston, South Carolina passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023. Born December 23, 1990, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the third son of Lisa LaChapelle and Russell Allyn Friar, Jr.

Matthew attended St. Andrew’s Math and Science, C. E. Williams Middle and West Ashley High School (Class of 2009). Throughout his youth, he played Little League baseball and was a member of St. John’s Church on Johns Island. He regularly attended Sunday school and the youth group, as well as serving as an acolyte. He started his first job at the age of 16, working for Gilligan’s Restaurant, and eventually worked his way up to assistant kitchen manager in his 12 years with the company. He also worked at Call Experts as a team leader for four years, and had recently started a new job apprenticing as a technician for ESC Elevator.

Matthew enjoyed all forms of the arts. A voracious reader from early childhood, his favorites were Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, the “Redwall” series by Brian Jacques, and anything “Star Wars”-related. He absolutely loved all of the Marvel movies. His music selections often ranged from Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Metallica to The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac. He was an avid gamer from a very young age, learning to play Tetris and “Legend of Zelda” with his Grandpa Andy. Most free nights and weekends were spent with friends, playing a newly released game, or watching UFC fights. Matthew also loved camping and rock-hounding with his Nana and Grandpa Andy as a child.

Matthew had a kind, loving heart, and a caretaking spirit, so much so that when his Nana became ill, he voluntarily moved in to care for her. He always had a smile and uplifting words for those who needed them most.

Matthew is preceded in death by Russell Allyn Friar, Sr. (paternal grandfather), his “Nana” Joyce Glenn (paternal grandmother), Andrew W. Glenn (Grandpa Andy), Clarence F. and Judith M. LaChapelle (maternal grandparents), and Laura Bradfield (paternal aunt).

Matthew is survived by his father Russell Allyn Friar Jr.; mother Lisa LaChapelle Friar; sisters Amanda Lowe-Welch (Todd) and Leigh LaChapelle; brothers John M. McCurry (Katie) and Russell A. Friar III; nieces Mia E. Lowe, Vayda L. Friar, Emma R. McCurry, and Olivia C. McCurry; uncle Dennis Bradfield; aunts Toni MaChuga and Marion Martin; and cousins Nicole Cote, Andrew Martin and Danyelle Kramer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith’s West Ashley Chapel, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. The Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11 a.m.