Obituaries

Matthew D. Ender (“Matt”), composer and long-time resident of Los Angeles, CA passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2019.
Matt is survived by wife Manjit Ender (nee Kapany), children, Jordan Ender and Tara Atkinson, brother Gary Ender and sister, Alison Eskow.
Matt was born in Brooklyn, NY to Joel and Dorothy Ender and raised in New Rochelle, NY. He graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in Art History/Music. He composed music for film/television for over four decades, including earning a 1988 Emmy nomination for his score on daytime drama ALL MY CHILDREN, wrote “Do the Carmine” for iconic sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, and wrote the theme for the TV show “EXTRA”. In the late 70’s, Matt wrote and toured the U.S. with the Johnny “Guitar” Watson band, opening for The O’Jay’s and performing on SOUL TRAIN.
Matt grew up surrounded by music. His mother played cello and his father was a self-taught pianist. Matt studied technique, theory, and harmony playing both classical and jazz. He also studied under jazz legend Joe Zawinul who was affiliated with Weather Report and Miles Davis.
Matt was a diverse artist with considerable range. Branching off in the 90’s, his first Celtic album, Ancient Isle, brought recognition from the Visionary Awards with a nomination for World Album of the Year. Matt also contributed music to Telepictures Music Library for over twenty years, which can be heard on numerous television shows. An avid Dodgers fan, he will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt’s memory by visiting https://la.bestfriends.org
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.