Matthew Pokol

Matthew Pokol

04/25/2022

On Monday, April 25, 2022, Matthew Joseph Pokol (DeLand, FL), loving husband, son, nephew, brother, uncle, cousin, and a loyal friend, passed away suddenly.

Matt was born on January 17, 1963 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Upon moving to Florida as a young boy, he held on to his family roots in New Jersey as he developed his deep love for DeLand, the Miami Dolphins, dogs, and his happy place, the beach.

Matt cherished his life-long friendships, many starting at DeLand High School. His zeal for living life with joy and maximizing fun was infectious! Matt never met a stranger and loved telling stories. Nobody was immune from Matt's teasing and joking, and it was always delivered with that devilish twinkle in his eye. If you met Matt, you never forgot Matt, and you probably have your own story to remember him by.

Matt's ability and over abundance to have fun in his personal life was matched by his commitment to giving 110% in his professional life. He excelled as the owner and operator of Dependable Painting for 20 years and as a business partner in Next Level Fitness, both businesses serving DeLand/West Volusia. Matt's business success and love for the DeLand community led him to the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and

Elks Club. Fellow Rotarians noted that Matt was always the first to volunteer

Matt's heart belonged to his wife, Tobey. Always together sharing fun times making memories with their friends and family. They loved to travel to big cities, beaches, mountains, casinos, cruises, and iconic sport stadiums. Their most cherished times were spending time on the beach, where life slowed down, and they relaxed with their toes in the sand.

Matt will be remembered for his sense of humor, unique voice, storytelling, dancing,staying fit, joking/teasing, and the undeniable love he had for his family, friends, and the special love he shared with his wife Tobey.

He is survived by his wife Tobey (Smith) Pokol, his mother, Mary Ann Pokol, sister Kristine (Pokol), and her husband, Tony Roddenberry, all of DeLand, FL. Mother-in-law Carol Smith of Ormond Beach, FL. His maternal Uncle Andrew and Aunt Laura Merizio, cousins James and Allison Merizio, Michael and Natalie Merizio, all of New Jersey, as well as his in-laws, Mike and Julie Smith, Nora Troxell, Megan Weir, Kim Augustine, Patrick Smith, Kyle and Sheri Smith, Keith and Melissa Smith and twenty-four nieces and nephews.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Steve Pokol, and brothers-in-law Bryan Spence, John Augustine, and Jim Troxell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, between the hours of 6:00-8:00 pm at Lankford Funeral Home; 220 E New York Ave., DeLand, FL., followed by funeral services on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 pm at the Harwood Center, St. Barnabas Episcopal School, 319 W Wisconsin Ave., DeLand, FL 32720.

Matt was an avid dog lover and considered them a member of the family, and for this reason the family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations be made to: New Hope Animal Shelter 800 Humane Society Rd., DeLand, FL 32720