Matthew L. Balga, age 54, of Norwalk, beloved son of Theodore Balga of Stratford and the late Lois Rennie Balga, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Matt was born in Bridgeport on June 22, 1968, and had been a lifelong area resident. He was a graduate of Bunnell High School class of 1986 and earned his baccalaureate degree in computer science from Southern Connecticut State University. Cooking was Matt 's passion and people who knew him were amazed by his incredible talent. Matt traveled far and wide with his cooking abilities.  Matthew has been part of Food LLC for the past 20 years and was a chef at The Whelk in Westport.

Matthew's survivors, in addition to his father, include his brother Tom and wife Laura of North Haven, nephews Brian and Jacob, and niece MacKenzie. Matt had a large extended family of uncles, aunts, many cousins, and martial art friends, including his close-knit restaurant family.

Matt was a loving and caring soul that touched the lives of many. He had such a passion with food and believed in farm to table cuisine. He was always so proud of making new dishes and trying new things.  He loved to watch the reactions of the customers.  The more unique the dish was, the bigger the reaction.  Matthew also studied martial arts for decades and was a 2nd degree black belt in Chinese martial arts.   Matt will be greatly missed by many and loved by all.

Family and friends may visit on Sunday, March 19 ^th , from 12-2 pm in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make a donation in memory of Matt to ProStart, Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation. https://www.ctrestaurant.org/chefmattbalga.html