Eliot- Mathew Joseph Dondero, 74 of Beech Road in Eliot died unexpectedly on January 15, 2024 in Florida.

He was born and raised in Vermont and graduated from Rutland High School. He moved to the Seacoast following high school and attended New Hampshire Technical School and began a career in the automobile industry with Taccetta Chevrolet.
He married his former wife Fern E. (Lauterwasser) Dondero and settled in Eliot, where they raised their two children Jennifer and Andrew.

Matt was proud to contribute to his nation, having a long career working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard building submarines for the US Navy. He retired after thirty one years of service making many lifelong friends along the way.

Returning to the auto industry and continuing his strong work ethic, he along with his friend Ron Raitt began MR Motors selling autos to people across the Seacoast for many years.

From a young age, he began his lifelong love of automobiles. It started with a birthday gift of a 1931 model A Ford, which he still has today.Whether it was with the Kruise Knights car club, NASCAR races, or a Bluebird Motorhome Rally- Matt was always surrounded by friends quietly enjoying life. He was known for always being there, and willing to help- a loyal and humble friend.

Later in life, he began a new chapter when he married Judy (Miller) Beth.  He spent the last 15 years with his love, Judy, enjoying retirement. Whether they were cooking together, hosting friends and family, or traveling in the motorhome, Matt's door was always open. His love and pride for his children and his grandchildren was felt every day and will last forever in their hearts.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Judy Dondero of Eliot, a brother Mitchell Dondero of Brownfield,

Children,Jennifer Dondero of Saco, Andrew Dondero and his partner Tracy Chase of Eliot, Stepchildren; David Beth and his wife Ashley Beth of Lebanon, TN, Adam Beth of Eliot, grandchildren; Alexander and Lillian Dondero, Jakob Beausoleil, Victoria Beth, And many extended family and close friends.

Friends are invited to visit with Matts family on Saturday January 27, 2024 from 11 to noon in the JS Pelkey and Son Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine 03904, where a funeral will be celebrated at noonin the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to Hoops for Hope cancer support https://hoopsforhopemaine.com/ or Elks Club, Portsmouth Lodge #97. Care for the Dondero family has been entrusted to the JS PElkey and Son Funeral Home.