Memorial Bench for Matt Jensen at Roaring Brook

UPDATE: (May 12th)

Thanks to everyones generosity we are now able to look into upgrades for the bench we did not realized were possible before. Such as a full slab underneath the bench, along with better material. We were orginally quoted around $3,000.00 by the town. Roaring Brook Park is part of a trust and public works will be doing the installation. We will be finalizing the details at the next park and recreation meeting. Will update the final cost of the bench and installation materials as soon as we have the final number. Also any additional funds will still be going to help animals in need. We do have a shelter in mind. We will be providing updates as things progress.

UPDATE (May 11th)

We met our goal in under 24 hours!!!

Any and all additional donations above our goal, will be donated to help our furry friends, which is something we're sure Matt would love.

Where the proceeds will go is still to be determined. (Updates to follow within the next 48 hours).

Thank you to everyone for making this possible!

The Jensen family and close friends have made this page as the official way for contributions to be made to The Memorial Bench for Matt Jensen at Roaring Brook Park in Cheshire Connecticut.

Thanks to Elissa Rosenfield and Donna Jensen for making this possible.

Roaring Brook was one of Matt's Favorite places to hike, especially with Marley. He has hiked there countless times with his parents, brothers and many friends. We hope the bench will be a place where everyone can visit and remember him, all the good times had with him, and to keep those memories alive.

In loving memory

Our beloved son, Matthew Jensen, 33, of Cheshire, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 after a long illness. Matthew was born to Jon and Donna (Dayharsh) Jensen of Cheshire.

Matt was a graduate of Cheshire High School class of 2008. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2007 from Cheshire BSA Troop 198 and was co-captain of the Cheshire High School Lacrosse team in his senior year. He attended Central Connecticut State University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management in 2012.

Matthew had a profound love for nature. He was a lover of all animals, especially his beloved Marley. He was an avid hiker and often hiked with Marley at various state parks in CT. He was extremely knowledgeable in a broad range of sciences with a deep interest in physics. The high adventure trips he took with the Boy Scouts were some of his favorite memories. Maine was Matt’s “happy place”, where he often camped in the summer with his family.

Matthew was a beautiful spirit, always willing to help those in need. Loyalty and honesty were traits that Matthew possessed from an early age. He was the most selfless person and a friend to all.

In addition to his parents, who loved him more than words can express, Matthew is survived by his two brothers, Zachary of Wallingford and Joshua , his fiancé Halie Demonte and their son Wyatt of Waterbury. He leaves behind his paternal grandmother, Anne Clarke of Wallingford; his many aunts and uncles, Gary and Margaret Dayharsh of Old Lyme, Karen and David Armentano of Naugatuck, Vicki and Richard Manville of Southbury, Harry and Victoria Jensen of Beacon Falls, and Erik and Lynn Jensen of Prospect, as well as many cousins and dear friends.

Though Matthew is no longer with us, his light will never be extinguished. His love, kindness and beautiful smile is imprinted onto our lives. He will live on in the hearts of all that had the distinct pleasure of knowing him.