Matthew A. Veits, 38, of Bedford, died on August 1, 2015.

Matthew was born in Concord on May 11, 1977 and was the son of Kathleen A. Shea and the late Mark W. Veits Sr.

He was a resident of Bedford for 25 years and most recently lived in Lynnfield.

Matthew suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident when he was 17 years old. Although the accident served as a pivotal moment in Matt's life it in no way defined him. His accident was bookended by two remarkable stages of life.

Prior to his injury he loved sports, playing football, fishing, camping, music, friends, and family. He enjoyed every moment. He had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. He was handsome and athletic. People gravitated to Matthew. He loved cliff diving in Ohio and bridge jumping in Maine.

So much of his life before his accident mirrors his life after. Despite his injury, he continued to enjoy swimming, boating, traveling, bowling, and even skiing. Matt could not walk, talk, or eat but people continued to gravitate to him. Matt's family and friends pushed the envelope to make sure that Matt lived every moment to its highest potential. Matt was blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends, family, and caretakers. Over the years the faces would change and his homes would change, but Matt was always with loved ones. He had strength and a will that was hard to understand. Although he could not communicate, Matt understood everything that was going on. His face would light up when his nieces and nephews entered the room. He would play dead anytime a doctor would enter the room. He always had a dirty look and a smirk for his brother and a loving gaze for his mom. You could not know Matt without being inspired by him. He touched so many lives just by being himself.

He is survived by his mother Kathleen A. Shea of FL, his brother, Mark Jr. and his wife Annmarie of Tewksbury, his grandfather, Arthur Shea of Hudson, NH, his half brother, Luke and step siblings, Dustin and Wendy Veits and his nieces, Devyn and Riley and nephew, Mason Veits. He is also survived by many loving relatives, friends and caretakers.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, on Wed., Aug. 5, at 9:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TILL, Toward Independent Living & Learning, 20 Eastbrook Rd., Dedham, MA 02026.