Mathew James Bresock, 35, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 19, 2026 after a valiant and courageous battle with mental illness and addiction. Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye, but take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and finally at peace.
Mathew was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 15, 1991 to his mother, Alicia Kay Vargo, and his biological father, James C. Batley. From a young age, Mathew was lovingly raised by Alicia and by her former husband, Leland Jay Bresock, who adopted him and was a devoted father to Mathew throughout his life. Mathew was an old soul, something that was recognized at birth. He was a tender person who truly had a gift to help others feel safe, seen, and deeply valued.
Mathew had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. He always had a clever joke to share or a playful comment that would brighten even the darkest of days. He had a smile that was unforgettable and contagious. Mathew was gifted with the arts. He loved music and enjoyed a broad range of music genres. He also delighted in playing the guitar and drums. Mathew was always drawing something and created beautiful pieces on both paper and skin with his tattoo work. Each piece of art was an expression and extension of who Mathew was as a person. Mathew especially enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to hike, camp, and fish with beloved family and friends. He felt the most at peace outside.
Mathew’s greatest joy was his daughter, Paislee. He loved her endlessly. The best day of his life was the day his daughter was born. His happiest and most cherished moments of his life were those spent with Paislee.
Mathew will always be in our hearts and his memory will be carried by his loving parents, Leland Jay Bresock and Alicia Kay Vargo (Joe); his siblings, Airin (Mark), Brandon, and Riley; his wife, Jennifer and his daughter, Paislee; his grandparents Kaye Cundick and Von Vance; all of his aunt and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephew, and his many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents G. Dale Cundick, Hal Norman Bresock, and Lorna Livingston Bresock.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 7, with a viewing held prior starting at 9:00 am for family and 9:45 am for friends and others who loved Mathew. Services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092. A Celebration of Life will follow the funeral services at 10975 S Prescott Drive, Sandy, UT 84092. All are invited to attend. We ask those who loved Mathew to please take some time to look through your photos and find a few that you love. Please print them and bring them to the Celebration of Life. We would love to hear of your memories of him.