Photo courtesy of Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester
Westchester, Illinois
Nov 28, 1953 – Jul 3, 2024
Matthew G. Zumbo, age 70, of Franklin, Wisconsin, formerly of Westchester, Illinois, at peace July 3, 2024. Loving son of the late Consuello “Connie” and the late Rose, nee Farago, Zumbo; loving brother of Dominick, Anthony, Stephen, Mary (Steve) Kruml and Joseph Zumbo; fond uncle of Nicholas, Zachary, David and Marissa. “For over three decades, Matt set the bar for illustration on a national level. After graduating from Western Illinois University, his fascination grew into a career. First as a technician illustrator and custom painter of murals and motorcycles tanks to a graphic designer and art director at a variety of local advertising and print shops. He started his own company – Matt Zumbo Illustration in 1986 In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Photoshop Guru and Best of Show Award at Photoshop World in Boston. In 2014, five of his Koss Headphones billboard illustrations were voted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame. Matt also used his talents to give back to the community generously donating his time to help support important causes like the MACC Fund, Hunger Task Force and Society for the Blind, as well as mentoring and teaching the next generation of designers and illustrators coming out of Milwaukee through his work with MIAD. Matt enjoyed art, photography, motorcycles and his friends. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt. Please consider a donation to the Rose Zumbo Annual Scholarship at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) and can be forwarded to his brother Dominick Zumbo at 1613 Manchester, Westchester, IL 60154. Family and friends will be received at Conboy/Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 West Cermak Road, Westchester (Two blocks west of Mannheim) on Wednesday, July 10, from 3 PM until time of Chapel Service at 7 PM. Interment private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Donald R. Smith, Funeral Director. For info 708-772-0258 or 708-562-5900.
Read MoreRest in peace, Matt Zumbo. I found your work through the book cover of Jim Albright's "Creating the Advertising Message." That illustration has deeply inspired me throughout my career. I send my condolences to the family.
Ezequiel Villegas
April 16, 2025 | Pomona, CA | Acquaintance
Mary Beth Ocasek
July 22, 2024 | River Forest, IL | Friend
Mary Beth Ocasek
July 22, 2024 | River Forest, IL | Friend
Oh Matt. I just found out. I wish I could have had one last conversation. I wish I could have gone to the service and paid my respects to your brothers and sister. You were the best first boyfriend a girl could have had. And you remained kind, so witty, so thoughtful all these years. I can't believe it. I hope you are wrapped in the arms of God, making Him laugh. My deepest condolences to your family and your friends.
Mary Beth Ocasek
July 22, 2024 | River Forest, IL | Friend
Sending prayers for Matt and the Zumbo family.
Sooo many memories...
Billy Trumbull
July 10, 2024 | Chicago, IL | Friend
Matt introduced me to a plethora of talented Wisconsin illustrators. You and your band of merry men & ladies helped my Chicago business flourish! As the song goes. 'Those Were the Days My Friend' I believe you will continue to sprinkle beauty on this, your new adventure.
Sharon Langley
Sharon Langley
July 10, 2024 | Chicago, IL | Coworker
I loved making Matt laugh. It became an addiction for me, over the course of our 37 year friendship, as art director and illustrator.
I would send Matt layouts that featured the grossest characters I could draw. Here is an example the public can see. Look how he transformed a crude drawing into a masterpiece book cover illustration. His last communication was his reaction to an Illustration — too gross to share — and his comment on July 1 is something that reflects a repeating...
Mike Fornwald
July 09, 2024 | Antioch, IL | Friend
I had the pleasure of working side by side with Matt at Fed Ex for 4 plus years and I was really looking forward to reuniting with him after my retirement this month ! I am still in disbelief as we had planned on motorcycling and getting together for lunch and dinners to catch up.
Matt amazed me as a very talented artist but he really impacted me the most with his friendship and his honest and humbling demeanor !
I am already missing you Matt and may you rest in peace !
Jerry Swan
July 09, 2024 | West Allis, WI | Coworker
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Great neighbor and an awesome Family!
RIP Matt........ God bless
Steve Grego
July 09, 2024 | Lilydale, MN | Neighbor
