Councilman Matt Grabowski, 53, of Clifton, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Born in Passaic, he was a lifelong resident of Clifton. He graduated from St. John Kanty Grammar School in Clifton, and Clifton High School. Voted in High School as "Most Likely To Succeed", Matt started on the road to entrepreneurship at an early age. He opened up "Garbo's Ice Cream" shop on Main Avenue in Clifton. After that he formed the Elite Court Reporting Service (providing stenographers to serve the legal community). Matt served as a Commissioner & Chairperson on the rent-leveling board in Clifton and was owner and President of Empire Holding Corporation, a real estate investment and development firm since 1984. He also was appointed to the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors by Governor James McGreevey. Matt was co-owner and Vice President of Post Publishing Co in Clifton, NJ which published the Post Eagle newspaper. He helped manage the weekly publication; develop, manage and implement innovative advertising programs and oversaw daily operations of the staff and financial budget. Matt had an extensive background in music. He started playing music at the age of 7 - percussion, drums, keyboards, guitar and bass guitar. He also loved to sing. Matt majored in music at Jersey City State College, and was the owner of CMI Records, an independent label. Matt wrote, arranged and produced numerous recordings that have charted on radio in the states and overseas. After playing in bands since 11 years of age, one which he started with his brother Ray called CERBERUS, Matt launched a solo career under the name MATT GARBO and released 9 CD's which received numerous awards from Billboard and also charted on the A/C charts. He appeared on many television, personality and news shows regarding his music throughout the years. For the past few years, he sang in his brother's band Swingman & The Misfit Mutts Band. Matt was a very successful realtor who established his own business, Castle Realty for a number of years, after which he signed on with Coldwell Banker. Matt was a member of the million dollar sales club and the Distinguished Sales Award for 10 Consecutive Years NJAR circle of excellence. Matt was ranked as one of the top 50 sales associates in region #4 in northeast New Jersey in total sales volume for Coldwell Banker in 2005. Active in his community, Matt was presented with a Certificate of Commendation by the General Assembly for his service as President of the Athenia Business Association, a group that promotes and assists businesses in the Athenia section of Clifton. During the 13 years that Matt was president of the Athenia Business Association, many great events were started, such as the annual tree lighting, the annual Easter egg hunt, and one of Clifton's best street fairs every September on Van Houten Ave which Matt enjoyed the most. Due to the efforts of Matt and the ABA swings were installed at Stanley Zwier Park on Van Houten Avenue for the children, and just recently a see-saw set was placed in the park. Matt had a strong passion for giving back to the community. In 2010, Matt was elected Councilman for the City of Clifton, and recently re-elected to the Clifton City Council. Matt devoted much of his time to the City of Clifton while on the council, visiting city hall daily and reaching out to see if he can be of any assistance with the departments. His dedication and passion for the city was evident by the many lives he touched; taking the time to talk to the people, listening to their complaints, and striving to rectify any of their problems. Matt spearheaded many projects which helped the city of Clifton, such as to rescind the sign ordinance to help the small business owners through these struggling economic times. He was truly a hands-on Councilman. Whatever Matt set out to do, he accomplished. He was always there for anyone who asked for his help. Working hard to make things happen... and he did. Raquel Celi wrote.... "There is much that will be said about Matt and his many professional endeavors, and all the accolades for the many records he easily broke as he was presented with a challenge. Matt was a perfectionist in many ways. With perfectionism comes tremendous passion; passion to continue along the path that you have set for yourself and see it through, no matter what the obstacles around you. Matt was gifted with this passion. If it was conceived in his mind, it was an achievable goal. Along the way, teaching those around him that nothing was unattainable with belief and a lot of hard work. He did all this many times with laughter and much levity, but also sometimes kicking and screaming when things didn't go the Matt way. As it's mostly the way of people with passion about change and making things better for himself and others. Matt, in many ways will continue to live in our hearts and minds. I know we all share our "Matt" moments. His moments of generosity, which were many. Moments where somehow we learned something about not giving up, when things got tough. And not taking the easy way out. All is done with hard work and persistence. Thank you Matt, for all the lessons. All the good times." Loving son of Jean (Garb) Grabowski of Clifton, and the late Chester Grabowski who passed away in 2012. Beloved brother of Chris Grabowski-Witmyer, Ray Grabowski, Val Grabowski-Campbell and boyfriend Johnny O'Rourke, Alex Grabowski. Cherished and devoted uncle of Angelique Witmyer. Loving boyfriend of Lorna Samgour. Matt, our hearts break and we miss you terribly; but we hope and pray that God has taken you to a better place. Your loving sisters and brother. Memorial Gathering Saturday 4-8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Cremation was private. Memorial Mass Monday 10 AM at St. John Kanty RC Church, 49 Speer Ave., Clifton. If desired, donations made to the Athenia Business Association, 800 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013, in memory of Matt, to purchase playground equipment for Zwier Park and continue the many projects of the ABA, would be greatly appreciated.