Swampscott, MA – Matt Kristek passed away on May 13, 2026 in Swampscott, MA. He was a talented filmmaker and video game developer who worked on numerous comedy projects and beloved video game titles. His son Marty was the center of his world.
Matt was born on March 9, 1983 to Rick Kristek and Anne Barrett in Northampton, MA. Matt was gifted with creative abilities at a very young age. Matt’s illustrated comic strips were published in local newspapers – his comic character “Protoman” was a hilarious take on the inconsistencies and contradictions of the changing world of the 1990s as seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old.
In his early teens, Matt began developing comedy television show concepts, and in high school, he developed and produced the sketch program “The John Abrashkin Show” that aired on CATV. It was a popular, irreverent take on the “talking head” mentality that was proliferating throughout the televised media. It was brilliant and funny, and pure Matt.
Matt received an Associate’s Degree in Filmmaking from Rockport College in Maine. His senior film project “Television Show” was entered in film festivals and won a “Best Student Film” award, which led to his film being screened at the esteemed Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The packed house laughed out loud at Matt’s take on the absurd excesses of the filmmaking of the day. Over the years, he directed numerous short film projects, animated shorts, and music videos. He held up a mirror, but he could see through it; he always told us what he saw.
Matt brought his creative talents and critical eye to the video game industry, where he became a User Researcher at Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. His ability to improve user experience design contributed to the success of franchises such as Rock Band and Dance Central, among many others, before bringing his talents to several other top game studios and successful titles.
Matt was a loving and devoted parent to his son Marty. Matt and Marty loved to create things together. They created comedic cooking tutorials together, and their home was filled with LEGO masterpieces, all built with love and laughs. The pair enjoyed overnight camping on Winter Island in Salem, MA. Matt had a joyful coparenting relationship with his ex-wife Helen McWilliams, with whom he had shared a loving 10-year relationship.
Matt was quiet, profound, cynical, intolerant of intellectual dishonesty, and deeply appreciated irony. He was creative, clever, and hilarious. He was fastidious, sensitive, and generous, and he will be deeply missed by many.
Matt was predeceased by his mother, Anne Barrett. He is survived by his beloved son Marty Kristek and ex-wife Helen McWilliams; his father Rick and stepmother Georgiann; his siblings: Hannah Kristek, Daniel Kristek and his wife Genevieve, and Jason Melanson and his wife Margaret; his aunts and uncles: Susan Barrett, Roger Frigon, Bill and Maggie Barrett, Mary Jane Burke and Steve Kristek; his nieces and nephews: Josiah Melanson, Luca and Nico Kristek; his confidant Donna-Lee Hughes, his partner Sam Drolet, and his numerous cousins and many dear friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 21 at the Czelusniak Funeral Home at 173 North St, Northampton, MA. Calling hours will be 10am to 12 noon, followed by a brief Testimonial at the Funeral Home. A luncheon reception will follow in the Florentine Room at the Bluebonnet Diner at 324 King St., Northampton. All are welcome to join us at either or both event venues.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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