Late Matthew Gillette To Be Honored By Del Ray Community

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Through a number of upcoming service projects and a fundraiser, Del Ray community will honor the memory of Matthew Gillette, a minister and community leader who served local causes before his death in 2021.

Matthew Gillette, a resident of Alexandria's Lynhaven neighborhood, was an ordained minister and community curator whose faith inspired his volunteer work, especially in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood with the nonprofit Casa Chirilagua. He also founded the Arlandria Eggstravaganza and served on the Cora Kelly School’s PTA board.

Gillette was previously the missions and small group pastor at National Community Church in Alexandria as well as a regional connector with the Parish Community family and V3 movement and co-chair of Hunger Free Alexandria. Gillette founded Restore Alexandria, a faith-based nonprofit seeking to empower neighbors in Alexandria, according to his obituary.

Gillette served on the Del Ray Business Association board for five years, including as membership chair. That role involved helping establish connections with small businesses, particularly during the time of COVID-19.

Gillette died in his home in October 2021 at age 39. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Abby, and their daughter, Elizabeth, who was 18 months old when he died. He is also survived by his mother, sister, nieces and nephews.

"Matt's influence was far-reaching and his love reached across to so many," said Del Ray Business Association board member Gayle Reuter. "Within our circle, we all knew his big heart, his dedication, and his ability to work quietly behind the scenes to get things done. Matt could do the impossible, and all the good he did was from his heart."

The weekend of July 16 and 17 will be dedicated to service projects in Gillette's memory. The service projects are intended to "reflect Gillette's deep service to the Alexandria community, particularly in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood," according to the Del Ray Business Association. Saturday, July 16 will include a cleanup of Four Mile Run Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, July 17, a Rainbow Rock concert will be held 4:30 p.m. at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues.

There will also be fundraisers to support an educational fund for his young daughter. Del Ray businesses have contributed a raffle prize of $2,000 in gift cards to benefit Elizabeth Gillette's Education Fund. Raffle tickets may be purchased online. In addition, $1 from the purchase of a Matt Gillette Burger at Holy Cow Del Ray will go toward the educational fund. Direct donations can also be made online to Elizabeth Gillette's Education Fund.