Matthew Jorin Krupanski
A life shaped by laughter, music, design and deep love for his daughter, Georgie.
Matthew Jorin Krupanski
A life shaped by laughter, music, design and deep love for his daughter, Georgie.
To know Matt was to know his laugh first. He entered a room with it – big, unmistakable, usually followed by a story. He was funny, sharp, opinionated and in constant motion, a person who believed in doing, not just talking. He had little patience for pretence, a strong sense of purpose, and a way of making people laugh even when the moment did not seem to allow for it.
Born on November 9, 1977, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Matt was the son of George and Carla Krupanski. He was raised in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and Newark, Delaware, places that helped shape his early life and interests. He liked to draw; played football, baseball and drums, and from the beginning seemed wired for rhythm, momentum and making things happen.
At 16, he began touring as the drummer for Boysetsfire. For a few years, he played with his brother, Marc, by his side on bass. Music opened up the world to him and set the course for much of what followed. It sharpened his sense of justice, deepened his interest in people and place, and led him into travel and global studies. His time with Village Health Works in Burundi, Africa was especially formative, helping clarify the connection he would later pursue in his career: creating spaces that people could move through, feel and take part in, rather than simply stand back and view.
In 2012, Matt graduated with honours from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Brooklyn suited him: its energy, its edge, its constant movement. He went on to become Design Director at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, where he worked on immersive experiences for major cultural institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Carolina Museum of the Marine, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Punk Rock Museum. At the time of his death, Matt was set to begin a new position at Hadley Exhibits, Inc. as Director of Engineering. He was excited about the new gig, and they were thrilled to welcome him.
He cared deeply about music and design, but the center of Matt’s life was his daughter, Georgina – his Georgie. She was his greatest love and his clearest joy. They shared music, laughter and a love of the Mets (and Jets!), and he loved being her dad above everything else.
Matt was not someone who sat still for long. He was always making, fixing, clearing, rebuilding, carrying, climbing or tinkering with something, whether that meant getting up on the roof to clear ice, rebuilding a classic Mustang, or piecing together old stereo equipment into something new. He liked action, momentum and a project with some life in it. That was true of his work, and even more true of the way he lived.
Matt died on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 48, following infection and complications after a car accident.
In addition to his daughter, Georgina, and her mother, Jen Harvey, Matt is survived by his parents, George and Carla Krupanski; his sister, Melissa Gardi and her husband, Dino; his brother, Marc J. Krupanski and his wife, Leela Van Balkom; and his beloved partner, Nina Luckman. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th Street, Wilmington, Delaware
Time: Program starts at 2pm followed by a community gathering approximately 3:00-4:30pm.
All are welcome. Come as you are
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a fund established by dear friend Joe Ferrara for Georgie’s future education here. For those who would like to do something practical in Matt’s memory, this is a meaningful way to support the daughter he loved so much.
Thank you.
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Matt and Georgie, all love.
Post concert
Matt was so proud, honored, and humble to serve the legacy, leadership, and sacrifice of our veterans. This started from an early age – both our grandfathers served in WW2 with another also in Korea and Vietnam. We would play GI Joes and dream of joining the Marine Corps. Life took us on different paths from that but I am so grateful he had the opportunity to give back and offer his talents to the design of the Carolina Museum of the Marine and the WW2 Museum.
Everyone at Carolina Museum of the Marine counted it an honor to meet and work with Matt. He clearly had a heart and soul for our mission and it shows in the work he did here. Matt was one of those rare individuals that everyone instantly liked and trusted. We came to think of him as family – and we miss him. Georgie, you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
The future is unwritten. But love remains.
I last saw matt in 2012 on bsf come back tour after hiatus, he spent far too much time with me talking about music and I told him how much I love bsf and everything they had created he gave me a massive hug and said your welcome. Great dude blessed to have had that short moment with him and still remember him fondly. Rip matt and thoughts to his family and friends.
My heart is broken The passing of my dear friend, bandmate & brother Matt Krupanski left me with so much sadness, but also so many good, wild, complicated and beautiful memories. It was Matt who called me 2002 to ask me to go on tour with BSF for the very first time. Matt who I was closest in age to and felt that special connection young guys share when touring the world together. Matt, who I consider one of the most gifted musicians I ever had the chance to share a stage with. Matt who was the best host I… Read more »
After Boysetsfire’s long hiatus, I was so happy to see the guys again at GROEZROCK 2007 in Belgium—it was an absolutely perfect concert. My highlight was a drumstick that Matt threw into the crowd; I caught it with just one hand. I still have that drumstick today, and it always reminds me of how amazing this band was/is. I wish you all comfort in this darkness; hold on to those good memories. Losing friends and family is hard, but it’s also part of life. Regards Tim from Germany
Matt (along with Marc) was the closest thing I had to a big brother. My first memory of him was going into Aunt Carla & Uncle George’s basement and watching him play the drums as BSF practiced. As I got older I remember getting knuckle sandwiches and being told to stay away from boys, drugs and alcohol. There were nearly 20 years separating Matt and I so while he didn’t necessarily grow up with me, I grew up with him. I remember when I was in high school and visited Marc and Leela in the city and the three of… Read more »
Me, Matt & Marc
Matt, I’m completely stunned. I met you in August 2011 in Stuttgart at a live performance with BSF. I’ve always admired you as an outstanding drummer and greatly appreciated your music. There were some dark days in my life that became a little brighter when I listened to your music. My condolences go out to your loved ones, especially your daughter Georgina. Rest in peace, Matt! 🙁
I still have your Drumstick from that night and keep it with honor and pride!
Dear Matt, I first saw you in 2003 with Boysetsfire at the Terremoto Festival in Germany, and I was absolutely blown away by your playing. The sound of your toms and your control of the snare were simply breathtaking. When you broke up, it felt like my world had collapsed. After your reunion, I saw you again at the Area4 Festival, and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever experienced. At that time, your brother was even playing bass. When you and your brother later left the band, I was sad, but I completely understood. You built a… Read more »
Like a lot of people it was because of some sort of BSF show over the long amount of years that gave me the opportunity to meet Matt. Thank you for the music, the generosity at numerous shows, and just being an all around good guy through those times. Darkness might seem like it’s all around the people that miss you, but it doesn’t stay dark forever. Thoughts and prayers (in whatever form you believe or worship) are with anyone that needs it at this time. Remember what made you smile from his memories.
Marc, Matthew and Melissa.
For me the best drummer ever, rest easy Matt, you will be missed deeply.
Matt, being recognized in the NY Times for his museum design work. I gotta say, I was darn impressed.
It seemed like every project he poured his creative force into, big or small, was attention grabbing somehow.
I got this zeppelin print, produced and beautifully framed by Matt, almost exactly 10 years ago when he was working under the business name, 22 Teeth.
Matt was the coolest, consistent dude. He was a source of joy and fraternity for me. He felt like a brother. He was deeply in my heart Thursday night and I felt so much gratitude for his presence in my life. I’m sorry to all for the loss of such a solid, sentimental man of love.
Adolescent Matt!
Matt Krupanski wasn’t just one of the best friends I’ve ever had; he was my brother. I loved Matt completely, and there’s a part of me that wants to say I’ll never love someone like that again. But that’s not really true. Because Matt and I were lucky enough to share something with our friend that not a lot of people get to experience… a bond, that in my experience, you only find in blood or on a battlefield. It was real, and it didn’t need explaining. We didn’t just know it, we made sure to tell each other, every… Read more »
1st grade Matt
I never knew Matt, the ‘drummer.’ I knew Matt, the architect, the teacher, the friend. 🙂
He just cared about making things.. cool music, beautiful spaces, and a better day for everyone around him.
Although Matt and I went to high school together, I wouldn’t say we were great friends. However, we both ended up working at a Brew Ha Ha several years after HS. He was touring etc. and I was in grad school. I loved working with Matt and really getting to know him. When I think of Matt, I think of kindness and passion, yet so down to earth(but yet not in the best way).
I went to high school with Matt and worked with him at Brew Ha! Ha! when he wasn’t on tour. We would drink shots of espresso until our hearts were beating out of our chests. He bought me one of my first drinks when I turned 21. Rest easy!
About 30 seconds before he broke his foot in Seattle.
Matt – you will be missed.
Matt enjoyed sharing his knowledge of exhibition design with me. His knowledge of materials, lighting and museum preservation requirements was impeccable. He will be missed.
I went to high school and for a brief season was in drum line with Matt. Later I was a big fan of BSF and loved seeing them play in Newark. When I think of Matt, I think of his big authentic smile, his kind heart, and his charisma and charm. I also had a school girl crush on him and I certainly was not alone in that!
Dear Matt, what an honour was to know you. I came to shake your hand after a gig at the Red Eye in London and we ended up talking for hours. I was so taken by your friendly ways, openness and enthusiasm. You were still very young but capable of organising schedules and tours. Both creative and rational, hardworking and playful in equal measure. We spoke about music, history, art and architecture. You knew so much and were passionate about it all. We stayed in touch throughout the years and always thought of you fondly. You excelled at everything you… Read more »
There is so much to say…
But ultimately-
You were my friend………
I will above all……just miss you…….
A friendship spanning many years and the odd continent. Always there. You’ll be forever missed my friend.
My own mother said he was the ‘handsome one’ at my own wedding..
I always loved when Matt would send me photos and stories about his newest design project, which were always so different from each other and which he threw himself into completely. We took my daughter (his niece) Isabella to the National Museum of Natural History so she could experience Matt’s work through the bug wing/ Insectarium (photo is of him at the museum wing opening). Late last year he was excited that the National History Museum Abu Dhabi launched, he wrote “Wild and amazing project that we, as a collective team (and trudging through a global pandemic during the early… Read more »
I have met Matt several times on tour with BSF throughout Europe. Our exchanges were brief, but I recall them as being pleasant. As with all the BSF members/crew, he was down to earth, friendly and accessible. I share some pictures I took during the 2006 and 2007 BSF EU farewell tours, and want to send strength and courage to the family and friends of Matt! Regards, Boris from Belgium.
The system only allows one picture, so I add a few more in this way.
And a last one.
I first met the Krupanski’s via Marc, when we were teenagers in the Newark Punk scene, 30 years ago. Over the years, I spent a lot if time with Matt and Marc, and in 2006 formed Piss & Vinegar with Lee Dickerson, Kevin Spacht and Matt. We had all known each other for many years at that point, but it wasn’t lost on the rest of us how out of our league Matt’s skills on the drums were. But it didn’t matter, of course it was as pure fun. Matt was the most charismatic dude you’d ever meet, but also… Read more »
This is one of my favourite photos of Matt, Marc and me. Matt came to Dino’s and my wedding in New Zealand, we all headed off as a family for a few days kayaking/camping in the Marlborough Sounds. In true Matt fashion, he unknowingly got a little too close to a seagull’s nest and was promptly dive-bombed by some very protective birds. He came away unscathed though I’m prett sure he never kayaked again after that trip.
Matt after kayaking for 3 days in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds.
I knew Matt less as the BSF drummer than as a cousin, childhood playmate, architect & father. As adults, we didn’t see each other often. His schedule and our military moves made it hard. So we exchanged messages or videos…especially the last couple of years & esp of Georgie The first bldg I got to see that he worked on was in 2016. My daughter & I traveled to Pittsburgh to tour UPitt, then headed downtown to see The Tower at PNC Plaza – greenest work space in the world! It was fantastic & I continued to follow all the… Read more »
I only knew Matt recently when he moved into the house next door to us here in Redding. He was a great neighbor and it was very easy to find common ground despite us being a little older and more country mouse type.
When I’m out on my deck in the evenings I would frequently hear him on the drums in the basement next door, which I really enjoyed. I was afraid that if I ever mentioned hearing him play he might interpret that as a polite complaint, so I never said anything…
None of this is true. It isn’t real. He is going to call me any minute now and tell me come on Paulie Rule 3a. Ha I got you again! I can hear his amazing laugh it’s incredible! I will always be waiting by the phone, Matty. Waiting to tell you to F Off and damn I love you! Baahahahahaha!!! I am so sorry dad, George you have been and still are and will always be the only father I ever had. I love you I have been and I still am here for anything you need. He is the… Read more »
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWr10heCU5-/?igsh=MWJua2J0MWJkYWhqcw==
Lost my brother Matt. We were friends back in Newark, but we didn’t get tight until we were in NYC in our little circle of Delaware in Brooklyn. I won’t forget the time I made you ride bikes from the train station in Montauk out to the point, saying, “It’s just one more hill,” over and over, and then back again under a New (no) Moon; Billy Ocean down Manhattan Avenue; avoiding death at the Levee;. Too many beers, too many talks, the greatness of 1996; the greatness of 1996. Greatly loved despite all faults. Missed forever.
Matt and Georgina were absolute best buds since day one. So hard to choose just one photo, there are countless beautiful memories… this was his favorite diner in CT, the Sycamore drive in. Always ready to hang, play, dance, listen to music, and learn together. You will live on, with us ❤️
Home in Redding, Connecticut
Hunting and gathering with Dad at Cape Cod,MA, 1980
Our four girls and Melissa,Matthew and Marc (my cousins George and Carla’s children) grew up together as if they were “first cousins”. Matt was adventurous as a young boy ( and loved to tease and try to scare the girls !) and continued that adventurous spirit as a musician and architect. To know Matt was to see his big smile, his quick wit and his brilliant artistic vision. His daughter Georgie was the joy of his life … we enjoyed every post on FB that he made of them. ( see a favorite photo ) Matt and I bonded over… Read more »
I am sorry for your loss geirge.
This photo is in my collection from circa 1994 Mr. Gerow’s photography. I shot this between classes and Matt was the first one in his drafting class that day. RIP my friend.
I’ll miss your exaltation and commiseration for our beloved Mets.
Matt made me this mix tape over 25 years ago. We met when I was working the door at Club Laga in Pittsburgh. He was a gem. He taught me to drive a stick shift in the new (to him) Jeep he purchased for the trip to visit me. We kept in touch all of these years and I’m so thankful we did. I just made a playlist of all of these songs and I’m hoping that listening to them will bring a little smile to my face during this sad time. I’m so sorry to all of Matt’s family… Read more »
That’s a Matt playlist if I’ve ever seen one.
Yep and it did make me smile.♥️
Matt, I guess that tea will have to wait?! Matt was a unique and talented person in so many ways. Caring, hilarious, attentive. He had a way of cheering you up, lighting ups room and finding the beauty all around him. He loved to build and see things fixed, drumming, tinkering with radios and finding the most obscure music that resonated your soul. Matt was a dear friend. We spoke often and laughed randomly for hours at the silliest things. That’s Matt, someone you could let your inner child run wild with. His love was grand! He is loved and… Read more »
Matt was a ray of light, positive, life of the party, a go getter. You will be missed dear friend ❤️. I know you are up in heaven smiling down at us especially at your darling Georgie!!
You’ve left a bigger mark on the European, German, and especially the Leipzig drumming scene than you could ever have imagined.
Thank you for your playing, your inspiration, and your friendship!
Bon voyage! Rest in peace!
Bruno, Falk, Julia & Basti! // ROCKSTROH DRUMS
In 2001 i played bassgitar in a band called Bambix and we opened the Earect Festival for the Deconstruction Tour. We had a small problem, no backline with us, and in the end we were happily allowed to play over Boysetsfire’s. That is were i met Matt. I was impressed how great and with so much passion he played the drums. I joined Pennywise that tour for a few days and saw BSF all those days, also in Zürich where something went wrong with the bassplayer Rob. Since that tour i followed you guys when you were in Europe. I’m… Read more »
You are one of my best and most memorable professors. You and your valuable teachings and wisdom will be remembered.
The first thing Matt ever said to me back in 1998 was, “Hey Dino, where’s Fred and Barney?” Straight away I knew he was a cheeky smart-arse—and that’s exactly why we got along so well from the start. Matt taught me a huge amount over the years—music, politics, history, and especially humour. He even did his best to convert me to American football. It didn’t quite stick, but I’ve still got a Jets hat to prove his effort. Matt also played a big part in why his sister and I ended up married and living here in NZ. Melissa tells… Read more »
Matt chilling out on ‘The Barrier’