Matthew Charles Schafnitz passed away on June 15, 2026, following a series of illnesses that he battled bravely while remaining dedicated to his life of community service. Matt was born on October 5, 1969 at Whittier, California, to parents Matthew F. Schafnitz and Faith M. Cunningham, now both deceased. He grew up in Fullerton, California, and attended Troy High School, before enlisting in the U. S. Navy in 1988. During his Naval career, he served at the Alameda Naval Air Station and later at Moffett Field in Sunnyvale. Following the completion of his service in the field of aviation electronics, he joined Loral Space Systems in Palo Alto. He continued his career in aerospace and electronics for many years, serving in program management. In later years he was sometimes sidelined by health challenges, but enjoyed pursuing business opportunities in his favorite field…cooking! As the big guy in the Chef’s apron, Matt would be found at the pizza oven, hovering over the lobster pot, at the gala Los Gatos Lobsterfest, or graciously serving guests at Los Gatos Jazz on the Plazz. No matter what else he was doing, Matt could be counted on 100% of the time to take on community service projects for his beloved Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club. He was indeed a big guy, but his heart was huge beyond description. Matt was especially proud to be a dad to his kids Noah, Aisley, Gavin and Logan, who will so miss the fun times they shared. Matt will also be sorely missed by his dear friends and fellow Rotarians, who loved his smile, his laugh and his huge bear hugs. Donations can be made in Matt’s name to the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 282, Los Gatos, CA 95031.