Matthew Packer Obituary

West Chester - Matthew "Tyler" Packer

1987 - 2025

West Chester, PA - Matthew "Tyler" Packer, 38, died Thursday, August 28th, at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Tyler was born on March 10, 1987, at Bryn Mawr Hospital, PA, the oldest child of Kevin A. Packer and Dorothy "Dee" Allyn Packer.

Tyler lived in several states during his early childhood, but one of his fondest memories from his lower school years was in Worthington, OH. There, he excelled at swimming and became the youngest graduate of the Dupont Swim America program.

In middle school, Tyler moved to Radnor Township, where his passion for sports became evident through his participation in both the football and lacrosse teams. At Radnor High School, he was nominated to play in the Hero Bowl-a rare honor-as both an offensive and defensive lineman. During his senior year, he served as co-captain of the football team. While at Radnor, Tyler met the love of his life, Kelly DiSerafino of Wayne, PA. They were married on May 28, 2016, at Our Lady of the Assumption church in Wayne, PA.

He had a deep-seated desire to serve his country from a young age and fulfilled this wish when he joined the Navy in 2016 and served in active duty in Iraq as part of the Logistics Task Group for joint forces ISO Operations: Ensuring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Tyler's final act of service was to participate in the organ donor program through The Gift of Life.

Throughout his life, Tyler cherished time spent near the ocean. He frequently visited Orr's Island, Maine, where his mother's side of the family summered, and the Jersey Shore, where his father's side vacationed. Canoeing, fishing, and the occasional self-directed firework display were among his favorite outdoor pursuits. Just as meaningful to him were the deep relationships he built during those summers-bonds with family and friends that shaped his love for the coast and created lasting memories.

Tyler is survived by daughter, Lucia "Lucy" Packer, son, Charles "Charlie" Packer, his ex-wife Kelly DiSerafino, all of Havertown, PA, father, Kevin A. Packer of Wayne, PA, mother, Dorothy "Dee" Allyn Packer of Yarmouth, Maine, brother, Benjamin "Ben" Packer, Wayland, MA, sister, Emily "Emmy" Packer, Boston, MA and many aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of his family.

There will be a Memorial Service for Tyler at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 35 Old Eagle School Road, Wayne, PA 19087 on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM, visiting hours are from 11am to 12pm prior to the service. All are welcome. We hope to live stream the service for those from afar that can't attend.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Travis Manion Foundation or Veteran Affairs.