Heriberto Matos

Heriberto Matos, affectionately known to so many as Eddie, Herbie, and “Party People,” passed away on September 30, 2026.

Eddie was truly one of a kind. Proud, independent, affectionate, generous, and almost always smiling, he had an unmistakable love for life and a way of making himself known wherever he went. To his family, he was much more than a brother. Although Eddie was the fourth of seventeen siblings from both sides of his family, he was always their “baby.” His sisters Barbara, Virgen, and Evelyn lovingly looked after him as second mothers, and the bond he shared with his family remained at the center of his life.

Eddie grew up in Hoboken and Union City before making Jersey City his home for much of his life. Over the years, he became a familiar and beloved presence throughout the neighborhood. No matter the weather, Eddie walked. Rain, snow, summer heat, or winter cold could not keep him inside. He would wake up each morning as though he had somewhere important to be, head out into the streets of Jersey City, and often make his way to the same familiar neighborhood bench. There he would sit, smile, wave to people on their way to work, and offer a cheerful thumbs up. Whether Eddie knew you or had never met you before, chances were good that he would still greet you like an old friend.

The outdoors was where Eddie was happiest. He was rarely one to stay home for long, and a long walk could take him just about anywhere. His family will always smile remembering how he could seemingly walk forever and how nothing could stop him once he decided where he was going.

One of the greatest examples of Eddie’s heart was the devotion he showed to his mother, Hilda. Despite facing his own challenges and disabilities, Eddie made it his responsibility to care for his mother after she became blind. He remained her caretaker and companion until the day she passed away. His dedication to her was a reflection of the loyalty and love that defined him.

Eddie was also remarkably generous. He may not always have had much, but whatever he did, he was willing to share. It was not unusual for Eddie to save half of his own meal, walk outside, and give it to someone experiencing homelessness. Giving came naturally to him.

He loved music, dancing, taking pictures, and going for rides and sightseeing with his sisters Virgen and Barbara, preferably with the music turned up loud. He loved food, especially pancakes from IHOP. He had a special love for Spider Man, a favorite character whose presence could be seen throughout his home.

Eddie loved affection and was always ready to give a hug, although anyone who had not seen him in a while might first have to answer for where they had been. He loved his sisters deeply and proudly showed them off via FaceTime to just about anyone willing to look, always wanting the world to know how beautiful they were to him.

His energy was infectious. His laughter, his smile, his waves from the sidewalk, his thumbs up from the bench, and the sight of him walking through Jersey City streets became part of the everyday lives of the people who knew him. Eddie did not need much to be happy. He found happiness in being outside, seeing people, listening to music, sharing a meal, spending time with his family, and simply being part of the world around him.

Perhaps nothing captures Eddie better than the fact that he kept walking throughout his life. Walking represented so much of who he was: determined, independent, energetic, and unwilling to allow life’s obstacles to keep him still. He walked through Jersey City with a smile until the very end, leaving countless memories along the streets he knew so well.

Eddie is lovingly survived by his siblings Evelyn, Virgen, Carlito, Ralphy, Jimmy, Charlie, William, Jeanie, Junito, Alex, Evelyn Bosque, Yedi, Yemarie, and Javier, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were touched by his warmth and unforgettable spirit.

He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Hilda; his sister Barbara, affectionately known as Barbie; and his brother Anthony.

Visitation/viewing will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City.

Burial services will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

Flowers are warmly welcomed,

Eddie will be remembered for his independence, his generosity, his love for his family, and an enthusiasm for life that never seemed to fade. For those accustomed to seeing him walking the streets of Jersey City, sitting on his bench, smiling, waving, or offering that familiar thumbs up, the neighborhood will undoubtedly feel different without him.

His journey may have come to an end, but the love, laughter, and countless footsteps he leaves behind will not soon be forgotten.