Matthew M. Polanco

Matthew M. Polanco, 48, of Marblehead, OH passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, OH. He was born January 26, 1973 in Sandusky, OH the son of Felix and Sharon (Cooley) Polanco. Matt graduated from Danbury High School in 1991. Matthew never was blessed with any children of his own, but he loved helping kids. Matthew coached Pee Wee Football in Danbury (Stonecrushers) for 13 years. He took great pride in teaching the boys not only about the game of football but about sportsmanship, patience, and comradery. His approach was not to yell, scream or reprimand, but to get on their level and talk to them, praise and encourage them. He will always be known and loved as “Coach P”. He had a very special one-of-a-kind bond with his niece, Hannah, since the day she was born nearly 21 years ago, and that bond will never be broken. He taught her to fish and hunt. Together they were a team of fun, crazy and double trouble. He absolutely loved ice fishing and snowmobiling with his best friend and brother Gabriel, even taking a deep fryer on the lake to cook the walleye after catching them. Matthew loved to cook, especially on the grill, always comparing and sharing recipes with mom and Gabriel. Matthew was always there to help Mama and Papa (as he called us) with anything we needed. Family was everything to Matthew. He loved what he did, playing in the “mud” and was one of the best concrete guys around. With the help of his brother, who was always there for him, they poured many a patios and driveways. Matthew fought a brave courageous 15-month battle with cancer, never once giving up. He was so strong through the battle, always staying positive and saying, “I’m gonna beat this papa” but like so many others fighting this awful thing, he lost the battle and is at peace now. Our hearts are empty and broken. Rest now our son. Surviving are his parents: Felix and Sharon Polanco of Marblehead; brother: Gabriel Polanco of Marblehead; sister: Christine (Thomas) Grier of Griffin, GA; niece: Hannah Polanco of Marblehead and his companion Michelle Dupuis of Marblehead, OH.. He was preceded in death by his sister: Renee Frailey; grandparents: Felix and Maria Polanco, Sr., Gaylord and Delta Cooley. Visitation will be held 3:00 – 6:00 pm Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Rd. Lakeside-Marblehead, OH where funeral services will be conducted 10:00 am Monday, October 11, 2021. Interment will follow in Sackett Cemetery, Danbury Township. Father Jonathon Wight will be officiating. Memorial donations in Matthew’s name can be made to Peninsula Youth Athletic League Stonecrusher Account C/O Marblehead Bank, 709 W. Main St. Marblehead, OH 43440.Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .