It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Stratton Childs (Matt). He was born on May 27, 1976, in San Jose, California. He passed away on June 18, 2026, in Salisbury, Maryland.

Matt grew up in Whitehall, Pennsylvania where he attended Whitehall High School and his favorite classes were in the woodshop with Mr. Conrad. Matt continued learning his whole life about woodworking and always talked about his days in his high school shop as to where his passion for woodworking began.

Matt worked in construction and maintenance positions as well as running his own home improvement company. He also enjoyed part-time security work at many bars in the Ocean City area, and Harborside held a special place in his heart. He felt like he kept the staff and customers safe and enjoyed all the shenanigans that went along with the scene. He also worked with many great coaches when he coached for the Wi-Hi and Parkside football teams. He also dedicated himself to coaching, where he gave his time, guidance, and encouragement to countless athletes. He took pride in helping young people grow not only in their sport and focus on their education, but also in confidence, character, and teamwork.

Matt is survived by his loving wife, Kelly, his 3 amazing sons, Zackery Childs, Ian Childs, Garrett Childs, and 2 bonus children, Abby Driscoll and Jonathan Burns, II, grandson Weston Childs, his mom, Teryl Madison, father Donald Childs, and sister, Erica Childs, his lifelong best friend who was his honorary brother, Craig Tully. Matt is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins who all had a special place in his heart.

Matt had a passion for hunting, fishing, being outdoors and woodworking. He was proud to have passed the love of outdoors to his sons. After suffering a stroke in 2021, he was able to return to woodworking, improving his craft every day. He decided to be productive with his talents and started his next adventure partnering with his wife, Kelly, in the craft vending world. They would set up his beautiful cutting boards that were more like functional art along with his other creative woodworks and became part of that community from Salisbury to Sussex County, and all over Maryand and Delaware. Many new friendships were made through this 2nd act venture of his and he was grateful for each one.

More than anything, he always wanted to be there for his children and loved joining them on their class field trips and school functions. Matt was not only their parent, but as his boys became adults, he also became their friend. Zack, Ian, and Garrett are his greatest accomplishments, and his greatest wish for them is to follow their dreams, achieve all they hoped for in life, and live full, happy lives knowing how deeply they were loved by their dad. Matt stepped up and loved Jonathan and Abby as his own and taught them many life lessons through the years.

A celebration of life will be announced at a future time. The family would like to take this time to thank everyone that has reached out, sent kind words, thoughts, and memories of Matt during this time!