Matthew "Matt" Timothy Simpson

Former La Plata Town Councilman Matthew Timothy Simpson died on Feb. 29 at his La Plata home. He was 39. Matthew was born in Washington, D.C., on August 11, 1984, to the late Thomas Raymond Simpson Jr. and Katie O’Malley-Simpson. He lived in Charles County for most of his life. Matthew served as a La Plata Town Council member from 2017 to 2021. A born leader, Matthew was president of his senior class at York College of Pennsylvania, where he served as swim team captain, was selected as graduation speaker, and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2006. Before he graduated in 2009 with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, Matthew completed several internships, including serving as a law clerk for the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Technology and Terrorism of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the Maryland State Attorneys’ Association Legislative Committee, reviewing bills, drafting legislative proposals and preparing testimony related to criminal law. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2010. His clerkships prepared Matthew for a career as a general practice attorney, and he worked at several law offices from 2009 to 2020 before hanging his own shingle in 2020. He was self-employed until his death. Matthew prioritized community service and used his legal skills to benefit La Plata and Charles County. He served on various boards and committees, including the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board, the Conservancy for Charles County and the La Plata Business Association. Matthew was a volunteer attorney with the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore. He also volunteered at Wills for Heroes events, providing free wills, advance directives, and powers of attorney to first responders, including police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Matthew loved politics. He campaigned for numerous Charles County candidates, including his father, who was an associate judge for the Circuit Court of Charles County. In addition to winning a seat on the La Plata Town Council, Matthew was elected to the Charles County Democratic Central Committee in 2006. A soft spot for cats led Matthew to adopt several homeless pets over the years. Additionally, he enjoyed renovating his ranch-style home, repairing old furniture, and spending time with friends and family. A loving son, brother, nephew, and uncle, Matthew is survived by his mother and three siblings: Molly Reip (Brian), Megan Donnick (Dan), and Andrew Simpson (Sook Fan). He is also survived by a host of aunts and uncles, and five nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at Raymond’s Funeral Home in La Plata. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Bryantown Church on Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family welcomes memorial contributions in memory of Matthew to the non-profit Help for Pets, 16400 Wilkerson Place, Brandywine, MD 20613.

Matthew "Matt" Timothy Simpson

August 11, 1984 - February 29, 2024