Matthew John Dourian

Matthew John Dourian was born on March 31, 1982, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, the second son of Anna and David Dourian. Even before his birth, Anna knew that if she had another son, his name would be Matthew, meaning “gift of God” - a name chosen by faith.

Matthew was raised in Watertown, Massachusetts. As a young child, Matthew was fearless and remarkably confident. He had a special ability to connect with people of every generation and walks of life, comfortably bridging the distance between young and old. His parents dedicated Matthew at the Christian Pentecostal Church, now known as Elevation Chapel. Matthew participated in many church youth programs which established his Christian foundation. As a young adult, he publicly affirmed his faith through water baptism.

Matthew attended Minuteman Technical High School in Lexington, where he was an honors student and a quick study. His intuitive ability to understand complicated things remained a defining strength throughout his life. Matthew loved being among family and friends, sharing good food, boating, fishing, playing card games, and learning about history. His warm, outgoing energetic personality drew people to him and sense of humor filled a room.

As a young adult, Matthew moved to Southeast Texas, where he began forging a future for himself. He gained experience in the trades and established a career in plumbing. A gifted and hardworking craftsman, Matthew was resourceful and intelligent, taking great pride in what he could build, repair, and create with his own hands. He put those talents to work transforming a fixer-upper into a home, and when Matthew was at his best, his abilities were extraordinary.

It was in Texas that Matthew met Kristi Lynn Burton, and the two formed a special bond. They married on May 5, 2008, and together welcomed their daughter, Olivia, on October 23rd. Being Olivia’s father was one of the greatest joys of Matthew’s life. He loved her deeply and was immensely proud of her. In Olivia, many of Matthew’s best qualities live on, his strength, vibrant spirit, smile, determination, and love for people.

Through his life, Matthew continued to seek meaningful relationships within the Christian community. He often turned to that community for support as he faced battles that he worked to overcome for many years. At times, those struggles caused pain for the people he treasured, something Matthew recognized and deeply regretted.

Through it all, Matthew was unconditionally loved by God. His family, along with the Burton family remained steadfast and generous in the knowledge of who God said Matthew was amid human infirmities. In honoring his life, we acknowledge the difficult chapters without allowing them to overshadow the truth that in Christ, grace abounds. We will always value the “gift of God” Matthew was as a son, brother, father, husband, cousin, and friend.

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, Matthew John Dourian left this earthly life and entered eternal rest with the Lord.

Matthew is survived by his precious daughter, Olivia and beloved former wife Kristi, his parents, Anna and David Dourian; his older brother Jason and his wife, Gail; his younger brother Daniel and his wife, Meredith; his nephew, Nathaniel; his grandmother, Dawna Dourian, age 95; and his grandfather, Mario Chisari, age 94.

He also leaves behind aunts, uncles, and cousins who remember him fondly and cherish the memories they shared during his early years of countless family gatherings.

Matthew was predeceased by his grandparents, Jean "John" Dourian and Consolata Chisari Sinatra, and by his beloved uncle, Sal Chisari.

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 23:6 "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever"

For those who would like to do so, memorial gifts may be made directly to the family and will be set aside for Olivia’s future and education. Olivia already has an established college savings plan, and we are deeply grateful for those who have expressed a desire to contribute toward her future.