Matt Lonigro: A Testimony of Love

In this episode of Hopecast, Fr. Pizzarelli, SMM shares about the recent loss of a wonderful man, husband, father and community volunteer.  

Matt Lonigro served on the Board of Directors for Hope House Ministries.  He was a friend to all and truly gave himself away to everyone in his life.  

His testament of love was his gratitude for each day which he lived to the fullest giving back to those in need and celebrating the goodness of life.

Matt is in every way missed by the Hope House Ministries' family.  His legacy will live on in his wife and wonderful children.  

The HHM aftercare program for graduates of Hope Academy has recently been renamed in his honor.  "Matt's House" will now serve as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice required for transformation and restoration to be possible.

Thank you dear brother and friend.

Father Pizzarelli is a Montfort Missionary Roman Catholic priest, educated at Montfort College, St. John’s University, the Catholic University of America and Fordham University. His degrees include Sociology, graduate work in Theology and Religious Education, a Masters degree in clinical social work and Post Graduate training as a Drug and Alcohol counselor. He is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) and a member of the National Registry of Clinical Social Workers. He received his Diplomate in Clinical Social Work in 1998.

Since the early 1980s, Father Pizzarelli has been aggressively involved with drug and alcohol education on Long Island and throughout the Eastern United States. He has spoken in over 3000 high schools and colleges on the theme of human wellness and drug, alcohol and suicide awareness.

In addition to being the full-time Executive Director of Hope House Ministries, Father Pizzarelli teaches part-time at St. Joseph’s College. He is also a Professor of Sociology at Suffolk County Community College and a Professor of Social Work at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.

He is the founder and CEO of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson, New York, where eleven unique programs provide housing and supportive services to those who are homeless, especially those experiencing mental health issues and living with addiction.

For over 30 years he has written a weekly column in a number of local newspapers in Suffolk County. He is also the host of an award winning television series airing weekly on Telicare called, "Reason to Hope.” Topics include addiction, homelessness, mental health issues, depression, suicide ideation, divorce, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, anger, loss and family reunification. 

Fr. Pizzarelli has been recognized throughout the State of New York by various civic and school groups.   He is the recipient of multiple honorary doctorates and community awards for his work with young people and families in crisis.

In September of 1991, President Bush recognized Father Pizzarelli’s work in the community and named Hope House Ministries the 555th Point of Light.

In March of 1996, Fr. Pizzarelli was appointed to President Bill Clinton’s White House Conference on Youth, Drugs and Violence.

For more information on Hope House Ministries visit www.hhm.org.  To support our mission to the community text HHM to 50155.

Theme music "Home" by Screaming Orphans (www.screamingorphans.com)