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Matthew J. Bade
Born: 4/17/1964
Died: 10/6/2026
Age: 62
Community: Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, Flint, MI
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BBADE, Matthew Joseph – of Swartz Creek, age 62, died Sunday, October 4th, 2026, at his residence. Cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass celebrating Matt’s life will start with a Eulogy at 9:45 AM Monday, October 12th, 2026 (visitation starting at 9AM) at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 701 Church St, Flint, MI 48502. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following mass at Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, 5304 Gateway Centre Blvd, Flint. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
Matt was born on April 17th, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Flint to Patrick and Annora Bade. He was the eldest of 4 boys, with Thomas, Peter and Patrick as his younger brothers. From an early age, Matt was deeply committed to his role as the oldest brother. He protected and paved the way for his siblings, setting an example of strength and excellence he would carry forward throughout his life. His parents instilled a strong Catholic faith to which he remained devout and intellectually curious. This was illustrated by a sign that hung over his desk for his entire career that read “Remember, we work for God.”Growing up in the 1970’s and early 80’s, music was more than just a hobby for Matt. It was the soundtrack to his life. Ramones and Romantics, Police and Pretenders, Clash and Cars contributed to a lifetime collection of 8 tracks, records, CDs, and eventually Spotify downloads. Many nights at his basement bar, “Sláinte,” turned into DJ contests or pop quizzes of “What band sang this song?” Appropriately, those nights were usually accompanied by some of Ireland’s finest whiskey.Matt was a proud alumnus of Powers Catholic High School in Flint and later Michigan State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and later a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis. Matt bled green and white – Saturdays in the fall weren’t just a day off, they were an event. The fate of the upcoming week hung in the balance of a Spartan triumph. Few people in life find their calling at an early age, if at all. Matt never had that problem. Before he reached grade school, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a police officer. His career started at Birmingham Police Department in 1986, and he went on to spend 40 years in law enforcement. After 3 years with Birmingham, he returned to the Flint area to serve his home community at Burton Police Department, where he worked alongside his brother Tom. In 1996, he was promoted to Detective where he spent 17 years, specializing in many types of cases, most notably child abuse victims. That specialization led to “Police Officer of the Year,” awarded through the Child Advocacy Center of Flint. His next venture was at Metro Police Authority, where he was instrumental in its creation in 2017. In 2018, he reached the pinnacle of the occupation, becoming Chief of Police, where he served until his retirement in 2026. His retirement was commemorated by State Rep. Brian BeGole with a legislative tribute honoring his career and impact.Working as a police officer wasn’t just a job for Matt, it’s who he was. It’s only fitting that he’d find his life partner through work. Matt met Kathleen McGuire, an Evidence Technician at Burton PD and they later married on July 20th, 2002. Without a doubt, Kathy kept him young at heart. They could banter back and forth like only a couple of 24-years could. Her cooking was an everyday highlight for him. They enjoyed nothing more than spending time together up north. Put simply, they loved each other immensely and never stopped having fun. Matt found Heaven on Earth at Bass Lake in Hale, MI. One of the many traditions he led was a sunset cruise on the pontoon. This often kicked off a night complete with police stories around the campfire under a star-lit “planetarium” sky, as he coined it. In poetic fashion, Matt spent his final weekend enjoying the fall colors up north before God called him home. Matt was a remarkable father and “Papa.” He was the rock of his family and a guiding hand of wisdom. In everything he did, he led by example. And yet, he kept a loveable goofiness and appetite for fun at the forefront. He excelled in his career, but nothing came before spending time as a family. With his kids he played nightly basketball games in the driveway; coached their sports teams; encouraged them to “expand their horizons” in trying new foods; and introduced them to classic movies of the 1980’s. Matt instilled many core principles in his children including “learn to play with adversity” and “be adventurous.” But above all, for the central tenet of his life philosophy, Matt borrowed lyrics from Tim McGraw, “always stay humble and kind.” Matt is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen Bade; children, Meghan Bade, Patrick J. (Alexandra) Bade, Erin Freed, Eric Cunningham; grandchildren, Lucy Bade, Riley Freed, Grayson Freed, Maya Cunningham; father Patrick R. Bade; brothers Thomas (Jill) Bade, Peter (Jennifer) Bade, Patrick T. (Julie) Bade and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his adored mother, Annora (Giles) Bade. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Renucci Hospitality House of West Michigan: 290 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
LINK: https://give.corewellhealth.org/west/donate/search/complete-gift?fid=a2461f97-def4-4575-962e-49134107ccc3 |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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10/6/2026 |
| Time: |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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10/12/2026 |
| Time: |
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9:45 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church
701 Church Street
Flint , MI 48502Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Fr. Anthony Strouse |
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