Worcester animal control officer dies while playing basketball

Worcester’s animal control officer died suddenly on Sunday while playing basketball.

Matthew Ohman, 41, was the city’s animal control officer for the past twelve years. He married his wife, Krystina Bombard, in 2013 and they had two children.

“Above all, Matthew was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. His happiest moments were those spent with family and friends, often centered around the games he loved,” his obituary stated.

When Ohman died, he was doing what he loved most: “Winning a competitive basketball game with his family,” the obituary stated.

“His competitive spirit and passion for sports were central throughout his life,” it read.

He was born in Worcester and raised in Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School.

“A natural leader, he served as team captain and was a two-time MVP of the school’s hockey team. He later attended Quinsigamond Community College, where he continued pursuing his passion for competitive sports as a pitcher on the baseball team for a season,” his obituary read.

That love continued into his adult years. He was a member of the MC/Dell golf league with his father at the Highfields, where he achieved the hole-in-one honor on hole two.

Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty wrote he was deeply saddened to learn of Ohman’s death.

“Matt was a dedicated member of the Worcester Police Department whose compassion, professionalism, and care for both animals and people touched countless lives in our community,” he wrote on Facebook.

Calling hours are being held from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, which is located at 370 Plantation St. A funeral service will be held on Aug. 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Instead of flowers, the family is asking donation be made to the Ohman Children’s, Scholarship Fund, care of Worcester Police Department Federal Credit Union.