Obituary of Matthew Walter Granger

Matt passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, March 15, 2018 at Stanford University Hospital, Palo Alto surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Liza, and close friends.  Matt fought cancer for more than two years.

Matt was born on January 29,1958, in Lackawanna, New York and lived his early years in Cleveland, Ohio with his parents Walter and Marie (Berka) Granger and sister Mary Jo Granger. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Dayton graduated Cum Laude. Taking no time off, he was accepted to Ohio State University graduated Cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He continued his education at Gonzaga University School of Law in Washington State obtaining his Jurist Doctorate Cum Laude. After passing the Washington State Bar on his first attempt, Matt worked as a civil litigator several years with a regional law firm in that State.

Upon visiting an old college roommate and touring the Big Sur area, Matt instantly decided that he wanted to live in California. After passing the California State Bar exam, Matt was hired by the City of Lompoc where he served several years as Assistant City Attorney and became a City attorney in 2007. In 2009, Matt was appointed as County Counsel for San Benito County until his retirement in December of 2017. 

For those who were privileged to have known Matt will remember his strong intelligence, straight talk, and love of world travel. As a lifelong Grateful Dead fan, he never hesitated to attend their concerts even outside of the US. 

Matt has a kind heart and never hesitated to help others. He is a devoted friend. A selfless husband. He is a strong-willed person and a man for others. Despite his achievements, he remained humble and admired by many.  

Matt is survived by his loving and devoted wife Liza, sister Mary Jo Granger, sister-in-law Melanie Rodriguez, brother-in-law Jun Rodriguez, niece MJ Rodriguez; daughters Carolyn and Elizabeth Granger (from a previous marriage).

Matt is preceded in death by his parents Walter Ignatius and Marie Therese (Berka) Granger. 

Memorial service will be on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at 11:00 am at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St. Hollister, Ca 95023 followed by a gathering at Paine’s Restaurant located at 421 East St Hollister, ca 95023.