Sylvia A. Matarrese

Sylvia Ann Matarrese

November 1, 1936 – October 14, 2026

A life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and just the right amount of Italian seasoning. Sylvia Ann Matarrese, a woman whose heart was as big as her family and whose kitchen was always filled with love, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, just shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on November 1, 1936, to the late Sam Mancino and Ann Esposito, Sylvia grew up in Chicago with her brother Richard Mancino who survives her, during a time when life was simpler, but certainly not without its challenges. She often spoke fondly of her childhood growing up in what were then known as the Chicago housing projects. While others might have viewed those years as having very little, Sylvia always remembered them as having so much. Her stories were filled with the richness of friendship, family, laughter, and the simple joys of growing up surrounded by people who cared for one another.

As a young girl, Sylvia loved ice skating and tap dancing, and her family still treasures her original skates and tap shoes—little reminders of the spirited young woman she once was. She attended St. Michael Central High School, where she formed friendships that would last an extraordinary 75 years and beyond. That was Sylvia. Once you became her friend, you were her friend for life.

On August 27, 1955, Sylvia married the love of her life, Richard “Richie” Matarrese. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and the traditions that would be passed down through generations. They raised three children, John, Anthony (Michelle), and Terese (Paul), creating a home where family always came first. Richie passed away much too soon on December 7, 2000, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a love that Sylvia carried with her always.

Sylvia was the proud grandmother of Joseph Matarrese, Tony (Kristin) Matarrese, Michael (Amber) LaRocco, Joseph (Meggan) LaRocco, Janetta (Demar) Davis, Richard (Leticia) Matarrese, and Michael Matarrese.

Perhaps one of her most treasured titles was “GG,” the name lovingly given to her by her great-grandchildren: Ava, Anthony, and Alex Matarrese; Leo and Stella LaRocco; Dominic, Luca, and Gianna LaRocco; Ja’Niyah Davis, Jahmir Davis and Zoey Matarrese. Each held a special place in her heart, and nothing brought her more joy than watching her family grow.

Sylvia enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 years working in the trucking business, eventually retiring from Yellow Freight. But for Sylvia, work was never just about the job. It was about the people. She developed wonderful friendships throughout her career, many of which continued long after retirement.

A licensed Illinois realtor, Sylvia also had an appreciation for homes and the memories created within them. From Hickory Hills to Palos Park, she enjoyed making each house her own. But no matter where she lived, it was the people gathered inside who truly made it home. And if you were lucky enough to be invited into Sylvia's home, chances are you never left hungry. Sylvia didn't just cook. She cooked with her whole heart.

Her Sunday gravy, homemade meatballs, cavatelli, manicotti, and especially her legendary homemade pizza were famous throughout Chicago's south suburbs. But the secret ingredient was never something you could find in a recipe. It was love. Food was Sylvia's way of bringing everyone together, celebrating life's moments, and making sure the people she cared about knew just how much they meant to her. Just as she treasured her family, Sylvia cherished her many friendships. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and nurturing those relationships throughout her life. Whether she was playing bocce ball, dancing, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying a good conversation, Sylvia knew how to make the ordinary moments memorable.

Sylvia's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life.  A devout Catholic, she attended Mass faithfully until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and found great comfort and strength in prayer. Her faith was deeply personal, yet its influence could be seen in the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.

One of the most cherished memories her daughter carries dates back to childhood—knowing that her mother always kept a rosary tucked beneath her pillow. More than six decades later, that simple image remains a beautiful reminder of Sylvia's unwavering faith and the quiet example she set for her family.

Sylvia leaves behind more than wonderful recipes, treasured photographs, and family traditions. She leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, generosity, and the unmistakable feeling of being welcomed into her world. And somewhere, we like to imagine, Sylvia and Richie are together again—perhaps dancing, laughing, and catching up on all the years they missed.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by the family and friends who were so fortunate to be part of her life.

Sylvia’s memorial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W 111th St, Palos Hills, IL 60465 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Visitation begins at 10:00 am followed by mass at 11:00 am.