Mr. Matthew James Rulison

November 2, 1955 - February 28, 2017

Matthew James Rulison, 61, of Johnstown, NY passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, while living in his home in Port Orange, Florida. Matthew was born on November 2, 1955, in Amsterdam, NY, the son of the late James Robert Rulison and Elizabeth Ann (Schumann) Rulison. Matthew attended Saint Patrick’s Parochial School and graduated from Johnstown High School. He was an entrepreneur at an early age, starting out delivering papers, mowing lawns and working at the former Mac’s Grocery Store in Johnstown. Matthew was very excited to pay cash for his first vehicle at the age of 16, a brand new Volkswagen Beatle. He continued working throughout the Johnstown area, always with the entrepreneurial spirit. Matthew ventured into real estate and rehabbed many houses throughout Fulton County. Many of these homes, still to this day, have his signature "white with brown trim or white with green trim" exterior. Matthew was a self-taught craftsman. He could build a home start to finish, including handcrafted kitchen cabinets, hardwood flooring, custom built stonewall fireplaces and decking. It was Matthew's love of the Adirondacks that gave him his inspiration and creativity. Matthew also owned and operated Mac Matt’s Ale House, which was definitely the place to be during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Many people still talk about the well-known "house of rock". Matthew relocated to Florida in 2007 and once again founded his own business. He owned and operated Grass Gator Lawn Care, “Tall Grass Doesn’t Stand a Chance.” His business started with 40 clients and soon grew to over 120. It was Matthews’ hard work and do-good attitude that made him successful and loved by all. His infectious smile and hearty laugh got him some homemade chocolate chip cookies and lemonade on his route. He will surely be missed by all. Matthew recently purchased property in the Adirondacks with the goal of returning to New York and building his retirement cabin. Matthew was not afraid of hard work, a trait he inherited from his father, and no matter what hardship life threw in his path; he always wore a smile and made others smile too, a trait he inherited from his mother. He was a gifted storyteller, sharing stories that were built on childhood memories and life’s experiences they were always funny and true. Were’ going to miss his positive energy, listening to his stories and dreams, and sharing laughs over meals. He is with his mom and dad now, resting in peace, gathering stories to share with us when we all meet him again. Matthew is survived by his daughter Brittany Joy Rulison of Flagler Beach, Florida, his granddaughter Jada Lynn Cox, his Brothers; Mark Rulison and wife, Karlene, of Gloversville, Todd Rulison and wife, Donna, of Johnstown, Max Rulison and wife, Vanessa, of Johnstown, Sisters; Margaret DeRoads and husband, John, of San Diego CA, Jamie Ross and husband, Boyd, of Johnstown, and Joy Booth and husband, Wills, from Julian CA. Nephews; John Brooks, Mathew and Jake DeRoads, Gregory Rulison and Wills Booth IV. Nieces; Breanne Diepenbrock, Molly Rulison, Emily Ross, Lakota and Cheyenne Booth. A visitation period for all Matthew’s family and friends will be held on June 10th, 2017 at The Chapel of Ehle and Barnett Family Funeral Home, LLC 15 N. William Street, Johnstown, N.Y. 12095 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. A Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation. A Committal Service will follow the Funeral Service, at the family plot @ In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matthew’s memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brian Barnett of Ehle and Barnett FFH, LLC. Please visit the families online guestbook, where memories and condolences can be made from near or far.