Chester Community Mourning Loss Of Beloved Local Bartender

CHESTER, CT — A community is mourning after the unexpected death of a brewery's beloved bartender. Matthew Dolbey was 35.

Dolbey was a bartender at Little House Brewing Co. in Chester.

"To know Matt was to love him, and we were so lucky to have had him as part of the Little House family," a post from the brewery reads. "It goes without saying that he will be deeply missed by our entire community. In addition to being an incredibly kind and empathetic individual, Matt was truly the unparalleled king of our beer garden ring hook game, so next time you visit, toss a ring for him and raise your glass in his memory."

Dolbey leaves behind his wife, Melissa, and their baby on the way, according to a GoFundMe.

"Melissa is now facing a future without her partner of thirteen years, and she needs our support more than ever," the fundraiser reads. "Matt touched the lives of so many, and his loss is deeply felt by a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues."

As of Monday morning, $61,513 had been raised out of a $110,000 goal. View the GoFundMe by clicking here.

Dolbey was born in Hartford and "was a beacon of light," according to his obituary.

"He was the person everyone wanted to be around," his obituary reads. "Matt was known for his unhinged sense of humor and his loyalty to all he loved. Those who knew him will remember his endearing quirks and the ways he always showed up for others."

Read the full obituary by clicking here.

Little House is a brewery and taproom "crammed into an almost 200-year-old historic building, right in the heart of charming downtown Chester," according to its website.

"Think of us as the 'Cheers' of Chester; a return to the origin of the tavern, a small taproom where locals and visitors alike can feel at home," the website reads.