Matthew Laplante

Matthew Theron LaPlante passed away at home in Vacaville on Jan. 22, 2018.  He was 17 years old. Born June 16, 2000 at David Grant Medical Center in Fairfield, Matthew was the second born of triplets.

Matthew was a gentle, loving child whose constant smile could and did light the darkest of places. He faced many challenges in his much too short life, and had every right to be an angry, bitter child. Instead, he faced his challenges with grace and determination that was and will always be an inspiration for those who loved him.  He will be missed greatly.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Jennifer Nitzkowski, and stepfather, Richard Nitzkowski; father, Robert LaPlante and his fiancée Alicia Campos; sister, Megan LaPlante, and brother, Joshua LaPlante; stepsister, Melissa Nitzkowski, and stepbrother, Justin Nitzkowski. He is also survived by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was especially fond of his Papa Theron Foote, who spent numerous hours by his bedside during an extended hospital stay last year, and Rendi Baker, who served as his daycare provider for more than seven years.

A service was held for Matthew on Jan. 26 at Smith Funeral Home in Davis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation or to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.