Alesia and I flew to the D.C. area early last November, not to sightsee but for a sad family gathering.
My older brother Matt passed away on Oct. 14, 2025 at age 66 after a two-to-three-year battle with stage four prostate cancer. See his obituary.
We, along with many family members, attended his Requiem Mass on Nov. 7 at the beautiful Basilica of St. Mary on Royal Street in Alexandria.
Matt was a good brother to me and it is still difficult to fathom that he is gone. Our big Catholic family of nine is now down to six. We lost our father, Michael, last February. I wrote about the sad but lovely family gathering in Estes Park, Colorado., where we bid a tearful farewell to Dear Dad. My youngest brother Tom left us in 2018. I posted about Tom’s passing in Alabama.
The Basilica of St. Mary was founded in 1795. It was the first Catholic parish in Virginia. George Washington himself helped fund the church, donating the equivalent of $1,200. The church was located in a different part of Alexandria at that time. It moved to Royal Street in 1810.
Matt was a good brother to me and it is still difficult to fathom that he is gone. Our big Catholic family of nine is now down to six. We lost our father, Michael, last February. I wrote about the sad but lovely family gathering in Estes Park, Colorado., where we bid a tearful farewell to Dear Dad. My youngest brother Tom left us in 2018. I posted about Tom’s passing in Alabama.
I knew my tribute to Matt on this site was coming. The busy Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s holidays, plus finishing up the fall semester at SC State occupied my time. Plus, I just procrastinated.
Matthew David Harwood was such a good and kind man. He lived his life by his own code and rules. He worked hard at his craft, which was art, and was very successful and accomplished at it.
He found his soulmate, the love of his life, in Eileen. They lived in Alexandria for the entirety of their long marriage. Matt had his own studio for 20-25 years at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town and Eileen is a longtime human resources executive. You get a small taste of Matt’s skill and creativity as an artist in this self-portrait (above) and depiction of his beloved Eileen.
The large building you see is where Matt practiced his craft, created his art. It warms my heart that he worked at such an interesting place in such a busy, touristy, and historic place on the Potomac River in Alexandria.
And yes, the Torpedo Factory was once a torpedo factory. It was built in 1918 for the U.S. Navy. Torpedoes for submarines and warplanes were manufactured here. After World War II, rocket engines were made at the site.
In 1969 the City of Alexandria purchased the complex and by 1974 it was turned into the working space for artists that it continues to be today. Matt’s studio was on the second floor. He applied and was awarded studio space in the mid-1980s after earning an architecture degree at Virginia Tech.
For several years Matt served as the City of Alexandria's public art manager.
Matt’s architecture studies would greatly influence his art, so intricate and often involving layers and sections, piece by piece construction.
Room 222 at the Torpedo Factory was the space where his endless creativity would flourish. In 1997 he was named the Torpedo Factory’s Artist of the Year.
With Eileen, he regularly would travel domestically and abroad, seeking relaxation but also inspiration.
Matt would also find time for family pieces. In this photo from 2009 on his Facebook site, he’s creating a layered portrait of our niece Grace wearing our father’s big shoes.
For years, we have had this large framed print in our house. It’s a piece Matt did after he and Eileen visited Santorini, Greece. He gave me a nice family discount.
And right across from it in our kitchen area is this original work. Around 2012 I commissioned Matt to paint the image at Magnolia Cemetery that is on the cover of my 2011 book, “The Birds of Magnolia Cemetery: Charleston’s Secret Bird Sanctuary" now in its second edition.
Alesia and I love both of Matt’s creations proudly displayed in our home.
Right next to the Torpedo Factory is this large conference and meeting center. ALX Community was the venue for Matt’s Celebration of Life held Saturday, Nov. 8.
The event was well-planned and well attended. That’s my niece Josie in the red dress. She’s a nurse who lives in Alabama. We will attend her wedding there in October!
Matt’s art was displayed wall to wall and window to window. My brother Pete (at the podium) produced an exceptional slideshow of photographs from Matt’s life that ran in a loop on two large screens. It can be viewed on Pete's YouTube channel.
My niece Cami was a key organizer of the celebration of life and deserves major kudos.
Matt’s widow Eileen gave touching remarks about their long life together. She was very strong and kind throughout the weekend.
Several of Matt’s art colleagues, friends and neighbors spoke about his passion and good nature.
The large number of attendees was indicative of Matt and Eileen’s respect and support in Alexandria and beyond.
The large Harwood clan was certainly well-represented. Niece Grace and nephew Andy also traveled great distances to pay tribute to Uncle Matt.
While a sad occasion, it was nice to connect and reconnect with relatives not seen in years. Height definitely is a trait of Harwood men! I
I was asked to take photos at the celebration. Here are more of them...
This old photograph was on the table at the venue entrance. That's Matt in the football gear, and me next to him. This, I believe, was in Fort Stewart, Ga. in the late 1960s.
Masonic Temple. It’s a wonderful, historic structure that dates to the early 1920s.
A museum on the fourth floor is dedicated to George Washington. It includes artifacts from his Mount Vernon home, not far from here. I’m a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. I have, of course, been to Mount Vernon, but never the George Washington Masonic Temple. Maybe next visit to the area.
Reagan National Airport is just a 15 minute drive from Old Town. Our first night, we fine-dined at Jula’s on the Potomac. We both loved our seafood dinners. Alesia had Maryland crab cakes, and I had redfish, a special offered that evening.
The U.S. Capitol sure stands out from the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
A walking path along the river offers a scenic route. You can check out the boats, ships and barges, and the small parks along the way.
There's also plenty of American and maritime history to take in and appreciate.
Just ask him about Alexandria’s important role in American history. This bronze statue on Cameron Street in Old Town depicts a young George Washington, a lieutenant colonel at the time, taking a break during the French and Indian War. It’s located in what used to be DuVall’s Tavern. On Dec. 31, 1783 Gen. Washington was celebrated here upon his victorious return from the Revolutionary War.
A few final photos to share.
Rest in Peace Matt. You are missed and loved by many.
Your art and artful life will live forever.
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