Daniel Joseph Matuszak

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Joseph Matuszak, age 38. Daniel sadly was called to the lord, on August 26, 2026. In the past year, Dan was plagued with heart issues that stemmed from a childhood illness. He fought it bravely and died unexpectedly.

Dan was a caring and loving soul. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; taking walks, playing cards and listening to music on his boom box. We would often hear Danny singing along to the chords of “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, inspired by his Mom’s obsession. We might also hear him listening to “Mandy” by Barry Manilow, “Coming to America” by Neil Diamond or “I Could Fall in Love With You” by Selena. He listened to these so much that he wore out the CD’s and players and would have to get new copies every holiday. He proudly wore MJ’s famous magic silver glove and fedora on more than one Halloween.

During his youth, Danny and his brother Brian would often spend every weekend with his grandparents, Joey & Rose in Franklin Park. They had a profound impact on his hobbies and interests. From Grandpa Joey, Dan gained a love for tennis and bowling and they always went for slurpees after a long day on the courts. Grandma Rose taught him UNO, Shanghai and 500 rummy. Danny was a tough competitor.

Some of his guilty pleasures included; tootsie rolls, summer sausage, and slurpees from 7-11. He loved to watch films such as Sister Act I and II, WWE Wrestling, Barney and anything from MaryKate and Ashley Olsen. Dan, Brian and Maria would go to live events to watch Smackdown. His favorite wrestlers were Undertaker, Kane and HHH. They were a sports loving family and enjoyed Chicago White Sox baseball and the Chicago Bears. Dan’s favorite birthday celebration included bowling and Outback Steakhouse with his Godfather.

Dan was overjoyed to welcome his brother’s children into the family. He was their favorite baby sitter. Uncle Dan, as he was called by his nephews and niece, would take them to the playground and tennis courts often. The WII provided them with endless hours of entertainment as he battled them in games of basketball, tennis, baseball and Donkey Kong.

Daniel is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Joseph and Rose LaPiana. He is the cherished son of Maria and the Late Timothy Matuszak; Daniel is the loving brother of Brian, Cliff (Heather) and Jennifer (Roberto); Dear Uncle of Cody, Tyler and Morgan; nephew of Phillip Weeks and Phyllis (Curt) Ardagh; the treasured cousin of M. Alexander (Stacey), Megan (Timothy), Melissa and Madison; and many others.

In Danny’s words “Scooby Dooby Doo” we encourage you to carry forth Danny's spirit of joy, his sense of adventure and excitement about everyday life. Celebrate things big and small, look for the good in people and the best out of each experience as he would have done.