Matthew “Matt” Joseph Sonia

February 8, 1963 – December 12, 2023

Matthew “Matt” J. Sonia, 60, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  He was born on February 8, 1963, in Bath.  He was the son of Leon “Joe” J. Sonia and Christine C. (Charest) Sonia.

Matt graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1982.  On April 25, 1998, he married the love of his life, Mary Jo “MJ” Dougherty, 25 years.  Matt and MJ raised and loved several border collies together.

Matt enjoyed giving his artistic talent to others.  Matt was proud to fill his many roles as Senior Map Technician at DeLorme Mapping in Freeport/Yarmouth, managing the atlas reprint schedule, camera room for many years.  After leaving DeLorme, he was a pre-press technician at the Kennebec Journal and Portland Press newspapers.  Most recently, Matt traveled to Boothbay and enjoyed his time in a happy place with so many others, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  He was excited to set up the many colorful lights of the 2023 Gardens Aglow.  Matt made meaningful friendships with all his colleagues. 

Matt loved to gather with family and friends. He was a wonderful host, a master on the outdoor grill or in the kitchen.  Matt loved Maine, its woods, mountains, lakes, rivers, streams, enjoyed fishing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, white water rafting, photography, and drawing from memory the places and things he loved most.  Matt enjoyed listening to music of all types, however the Eagles Greatest hits “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” describes him the best.  Matt will be remembered for his smiling eyes, infectious laugh, slow and steady demeanor, Matt was the absolute definition of “The Big Easy.” 

Matt was predeceased by father Leon “Joe”; grandmother Dorothy “Dot” (Young); uncle Author E. (Mickey) Sonia; grandfather Leon P. Sonia.

Matt is survived by his loving wife, MJ Dougherty, of Richmond; his mother, Christine “Chris” Sonia and sister, Anne Marie Sonia of Wiscasset; nephews, Conrad & Cody Griffin; cherished and remembered by his three Dougherty brother in-laws and their families; Rich & Kristin; Sean & Michelle; Dan. The Dougherty nieces and nephews Keelin, Tegan, Conor, Joe, Meg, Erin, Cullen, Josie, and Hazel.  His memories will live on with his aunts, cousins, and many more special close friends.

Matt’s wonderful spirit will be celebrated to include a memorial service and a Mass service at St. Ambrose church in Richmond sometime in March 2024.  Memorial service will be an informal potluck to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Family and friends may extend online condolences here on our FaceBook site