Liam Paul Emsbo Mattingly, beloved son, brother and friend, age 23, passed away suddenly on Nov. 13, 2022 in Rochester, New York.
Liam will be remembered by friends and family for his kindness, his gentleness, his great bear hugs, his never-ending curiosity, and his amazing willingness to find fun everywhere. We will miss seeing his long form, his mountain-man beard and bright eyes climbing the trail up to us, sprinting during a game of HvZ, singing a sea shanty or simply playing a quiet game.
Liam was born on May 22 in 1999 to Stephen and Lisa Emsbo-Mattingly. Liam quickly began to scramble everywhere, constantly exploring both trains and trees; he never stopped exploring his entire life. Liam started life in Arlington, Massachusetts and moved over the border to Lexington just before kindergarten. Immensely engrossed with how things worked, Liam loved playing Legos, building trains, and drawing stunningly detailed planes and boats. As he grew, he learned to love the outdoors. Skiing of all types, backpacking, kayaking and many other outdoor endeavors always brought him great pleasure. Soon he learned that he loved scouting. From cub scout rocket launches to Philmont Scout Ranch, Liam participated in Cub Scout Pack 160, BSA Troop 119, and was a founding member of Venture Crew 1775. In May 2017, he attained Eagle Scout.
Upon graduating Lexington High School, he embarked on an adventure of a lifetime with three best friends hiking 300 miles as the “Lapland Lads” through Norway, Sweden and Finland along the E1 Nordkalottruta route. Next Liam entered Rochester Institute of Technology and quickly began exploring a world of engineering, design, art and games. HvZ became an enduring passion and he became the president of HvZ RIT. He also took his passion for design to GameFace where, as an intern, he helped bring an entirely new product from idea to final sale. Liam also met the love of his life Aquene Sausville who taught him to explore music festivals, the natural fauna and foraging, and mystical ideas. Liam was just hitting his stride when he suffered a tragic accident.
He leaves behind his parents Lisa and Stephen Emsbo-Mattingly, his sister Ella Mattingly, and brother Owen Mattingly, now of Concord, Massachusetts; as well as the extended Mattingly and Emsbo families, including his grandfather, Paul Mattingly, of Raleigh North Carolina and his grandmother, Jane Emsbo, of Block Island Rhode Island and Brookhaven, Lexington.
A celebration of Liam’s life will be held on Nov. 19, 2022 at Hancock Church in Lexington, Massachusetts at 1PM.
Contributions in Liam’s honor can be made to the Liam Mattingly Scholarship fund. A fund set up to support dyslexics at RIT http://www.rit.edu/giving/LiamMattinglyScholarship.
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Liam. I remember him from my days as a resource teacher at Fiske School. He is so lucky to have such a loving family. My heart goes out to you in your mourning. I will definitely make a donation though it is little compensation for this deep loss.
I am really sorry for your loss. I spoke with Liam quoted often during our classes at LHS. He was always incredibly supportive and respectful. He often helped me out with projects and questions I had. I have nothing but good memories of him.
I am very sad to hear that your son is no longer with us. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to read of your loss. I didn’t know Liam, but his story touched me and I wanted to add my condolences.
I was Liam’s Fiske library teacher and I am shocked and so very sad to hear this news. I remember him as a serious, thoughtful student who was always kind and respectful. He packed a great deal of adventure and achievement into his all too brief life. My heart aches for your loss, but I wanted you to know I remember Liam very fondly.