Matthew Alfred Barney, age 54, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2026.

Matt was born on May 8, 1971, in Lake Placid, New York, to Lawrence and Madonna Barney of Lake Placid. He grew up in a family where sports, community, and loyalty ran deep. Some of his most cherished memories were on local fields and rinks, playing baseball and skating for hockey teams coached by his father. Being coached by his dad was something Matt carried with pride throughout his life; it was about far more than wins and championships.

As a child, Matt was known for his adventurous spirit and fierce determination. Growing up surrounded by more cousins than any one person should reasonably have, family gatherings were lively, loud, and full of stories.

Matt graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1989 and immediately entered basic training with the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island. He went on to Camp Geiger for combat training and then attended school to become a combat engineer. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune and served on various missions for the USMC, most notably completing a tour in Liberia. Matt finished his military service as a Corporal in 1993 and returned home to Lake Placid, eager to begin the next chapter of his life; building a family of his own.

Matt held many titles throughout his life: son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, and grandpa. But the title he cherished most was Dad. He was a devoted father to seven children and was deeply proud of each of them. His love for them was steady and unconditional. Matt’s greatest joy came from time spent with his children. Becoming a grandfather added another layer of pride and hope to his life. While his loss leaves a profound void, his children and grandchildren will carry his memory with them always.

Matt is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Madonna Barney of Lake Placid; his sister, Bridget (Justin) Cole of Saratoga Springs; his seven children, Keegan of Winchester, California; Payton, Eliza, Griffin, Levi, Maezie, and Abel Barney, all of Lake Placid; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Larry Burns of Lake Placid, and McKenzie and Kyanna Barney of Winchester, California.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Maude Barney of Lake Placid; his maternal grandparents, Donat and Eleanor Poirier of North Bangor; and his sister, Brittany Barney of Lake Placid.

Matt’s journey was not without hardship, and he carried burdens that were often unseen. Yet beneath those struggles was a man of deep feeling, generosity, loyalty, and love. Those who knew him best understand that his challenges did not define him. May he now find the peace that eluded him in life, and may those who loved him carry forward the best of who he was.

Donations may be made in Matt’s name to the Lake Placid Youth Athletic Association.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 14th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY an American Legion Prayer Service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at North Elba Cemetery in May.

Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory, upload a photograph, or sign the online guest book at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com