Matthew Felix Dunlop was born to the late Matthew Martin and Henrietta Dunlop on October 16, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the ninth of eleven children, the last surviving sibling.

After graduating from Central High School, Matthew studied Gas and Diesel Engines while in the Navy (1943 to 1946) at Hampton Institute in Virginia, then served in the Pacific in World War II.

Returning to civilian life, Matthew started working with the Cleveland Transit System (CTS) at the Fairhill Station, advancing to supervisor of major repair shops. After 33 years with what became RTA, Matthew retired in 1980.

Matthew taught photography at Karamu House for over 45 years and won many awards for his Photography Art. He traveled worldwide photographing people and scenery. He also spent dozens of years working with youth at risk of drug addiction, serving 15 years as trustee on the Cuyahoga County Drug & Alcohol Treatment Boards and was once president of the East Cleveland Kiwanis Club.

Matthew was a member of the Bahai World Faith. His other interests included roller skating, bowling, ballroom dancing and jazz music. He was also a member of the High Hatters.

Matthew leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who he treated all as family.