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Matthew Welch Obituary
Matthew Sinclair Welch died on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 after a brief illness. He was 32 and a lifelong resident of the south suburban region. Matt was a loving son to his father, Mayor Dwight W. Welch of the City of Country Club Hills, and his mother, Brenda Fiorini; as well as to his step-father Dennis Fiorini. He was a protective big brother to his sisters, Allison Steinhauser and Desiree Fiorini, a brother-in-law to Max Steinhauser, and was loved dearly by his Grandfather Cain, aunts, uncles, cousins, and legions of friends. His death was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Levara and Lerue Burd, and his paternal grandparents, Connie and William Welch. A graduate of Victor J. Andrew High School, class of 1995, Matt went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps until he was honorably discharged. Most recently, Matt served as Director of the Country Club Hills Theater, where he helped to bring joy and entertainment to thousands of area patrons. Matt's generous and loving spirit will be missed but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, Matt's family will kindly accept donations to the Matthew Welch Scholarship Fund to be erected in his honor. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Leek & Sons Funeral Chapels, 18400 S. Pulaski Rd., Country Club Hills. A memorial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4247 183rd St., CC Hills. Private family burial following at Abraham Lincoln National Veteran's Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Please call Leek Chapel at 708-206-0860 for further details.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Welch
Sponsored by Mike Salazar.
Cheryl Lombre'
March 20, 2009
I just learned of Matt's passing in the March 2009 edition of the Country Club City News. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Matt during the summer concerts. My prayers go out to your family.
Eugene & Linda Purkett
March 18, 2009
Dear Mayor Welch:
Our heartfelt condolence and prayers go out to you on the loss of your son. We just learned about Matts death last week. We, too, experienced the untimely death of a son, and we share your pain. May God comfort and strengthen you.
Pam Willis
March 8, 2009
Dear Mayor Welch and Family,
I just read about Matt's untimely passing in the City News March issue. I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Amanda Hudak
February 11, 2009
I knew Matt from junior high and high school. Matt was a great guy and will live on in our hearts. I am wishing you peace at this sad time.
Shine on,
Amanda
Arthur & Karen Trayling
February 9, 2009
Dwight
We are sadden to hear of the passing of your son Matthew at such a difficult time for the community of Country Club Hills. You were our strength 30 years ago when we experienced the unexpected passing of our own child. Matthew's wonderful legacy will be witnessed and remembered through the scholarship fund established in his name and through his work with the theater and his service to his country. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Lisa McKernin (Bernadisius)
February 9, 2009
Dear Mayor Welch and Family,
I just heard of Matt's passing.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met him a couple of times at the Firemen Fundraisers. He was always gracious.
Please know that you are in our prayers.
Sharon Flannery
January 27, 2009
Allison & Family,
I just heard of Matt's passing today. Im so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Deborah Morris-Stangarone
January 27, 2009
Dear Dwight and Family,
I, as well as Tom, could not even imagine having to bury one of our sons. It happens everyday, but it is not the way life should happen. Simply, parents should not have to bury their children. I could not do it! We all feel your pain and grieve along with you. Our prayers will be with you, Matthew, and your entire family forever. I loved Matt. When I moved back here from PA we hung out alot and he helped me through some difficult times. He had a heart as big as his smile. He would do anything for anyone, he would give you the shirt off his back! I am so sorry for our loss! He will never be forgotten! Just one of those kids who you could call at any time, for any reason, even if it was just to talk. He will be missed. Call us any time, we are there for all of you! God Bless and Rest In Peace, Matt!
Love, Debbie (Durkin) Morris-Stangarone, Greg Stangarone, Thomas Morris, Tony & Adrienna Morris, Timmy Morris and Danny Morris & Kristy Aronowitz
Sanjay Patel
January 26, 2009
Matt,
I hadn't seen you since we graduated in 1995 and now with your passing those high school days start rushing back. I have an old photo of the 94-95 wrestling team on the wall of my old room and there you were in the picture right near me. I'll always be happy to call you a friend and teammate and wish all the best for your family.
Sanjay Patel
Mary Kate heidbreder
January 25, 2009
To Dwight Welsh
The Driscoll Family Extend Their Condolence on your loss; Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Driscoll;Family
Mike Salazar
January 25, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your son and brother at such a young age. Please take comfort in knowing that you are never alone in times like this.
Mark & Kathy
January 24, 2009
Gone from our sight
but never from our memories
or our hearts.
Matt you will be greatly missed.
All Our Love
Lisa Landvogt
January 23, 2009
Dear Mayor Welch, Please accept our condolences on the loss of your terrific son Matt. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karla and Lisa - the Homewood Sisters
James & Lisa Reed
January 23, 2009
Dear Mayor Welch & family, So sorry to hear of your beloved son's passing. Our prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Juanita Jordan
January 23, 2009
Mayor Welch,
I was in Washington attending the inauguration festivities when I heard of your sons' untimely transition. My prayers are with you and you family at this time and in the future.
Jennifer Mikols (Gray)
January 22, 2009
To Allison and Family - I am so sorry to hear about Matt. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and pray for strength to get you through this.
Arthur Jackson
January 22, 2009
Mayor Welch, pleace accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your son, Matthew. I remember meeting him at Caesar's Restuarant a few years ago at Ron and Cathy's wedding anniversary and thought he was a very nice and personable young man. I know he will be missed, but rest assure he is with God now.
Leslie South
January 22, 2009
Mayor Welch, I am so sorry for your loss and understand too well the pain of losing a child. What is giving me peace is knowing that my son, Christopher, is at peace and in God's arms. Know that Matthew is also at peace and in God's arms.
Darrell Garrison
January 22, 2009
Mayor Welch and Family: With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From all of the Staff at Planning Resources Inc.
Jerry & Lois White
January 22, 2009
Dear Dwight and family,
We are very sorry to hear of the death of your son, Matt. We will keep you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Corrie Husack
January 22, 2009
I just heard today...I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories with Matt, many laughes and funny stories. I can still hear his laugh and see his great smile.
He will be missed.
Kim Smaltz
January 21, 2009
Sorry for your loss I am in shock. I have not seen Matt since I was at MVCC. He was my first"boyfriend" in jr high. My prayers are with you
Pat & Bill Laschober
January 21, 2009
Dear Dwight and family,
We are very sorry to hear of the death of your son, Matt. We will keep you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Delmar & Carol Banks
January 21, 2009
Delmar Banks Family would like to offer our deepest sympathies for your loss. May God Bless You in your time of sorrow.
Duncan Guild
January 21, 2009
Our condolences to Dwight and his family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Duncan and Mary Ann
Jacqueline Hill
January 21, 2009
Mayor Welch,
It is so sad to lose a child and my prayers are with you. You and your family have been a part of the south suburbs for a long time. I met you when you were a juvenile officer in CCH. As you go forward, please remember the good times with your son, that will help you get through this.
Carie McKeown
January 21, 2009
I just heard about Matt's passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I knew Matt in high school and just remember him smiling and laughing all the time. Your family is in my prayers.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
January 21, 2009
The Butler Family would like to offer our deepest sympathies for your loss. May God Bless You in your time of sorrow.
Carie McKeown
January 21, 2009
I just heard about Matt's passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I knew Matt in high school and always remembered him laughing and smiling. Your family is in my prayers.
Thomas McManmon
January 21, 2009
To The Welch Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Matt and I were friends years ago and as time went by we failed to stay in touch with each other. I will remember him always as the funny kind hearted guy that could always put a smile on your face and make you laugh when times were tough. Matt will be missed but never forgotten in our hearts. Please take comfort in the fact that he has touched so many and our memories of Matt will always live on.
linda hanna
January 21, 2009
All our prayers and deepest sympathy to your family. Matt was a wonderful young man and was at our home many times. As a parent, my heart breaks for you.
God Bless and we will keep you in our prayers.
MIKE AND LINDA HANNA AND FAMILY
(PARENTS OF MATT'S FRIEND, RYAN HANNA)
Jim Gannon
January 21, 2009
Mayor Welch, our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We wish you fond memories of Matt and peaceful moments as time moves forward.
Marta Perales
January 21, 2009
Mayor Welch:
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. May the memories of Matthew bring comfort during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Mack and family
January 20, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss. My daughters loved Matt. During the summer he would give them and their disabled brother popsicles. I met Matt when I donated my sons wheelchair for the boy who got his stolen and we hit it off really well. He was a great guy. Also He was a great person to all and went out of his way for others. He will surely be missed. Our prayers are with you all.
John Murphey
January 20, 2009
Dwight - a man's life is measured by the size of his heart and his love for other people. By those measures, Matt was a giant man...He will be organizing some great concerts upstairs this summer. A good man...RIP.
Kim Zylka
January 20, 2009
Dear Alli, Max and family,
I am so sorry to hear about this loss of a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time.
Connie Brooks
January 20, 2009
The Brooks family sends their deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Massiel Garza-Ullsmith
January 20, 2009
I am so sorry for this incredible loss. I knew Matt in high school and just remember him as the kindest, warmest soul. I'm can't begin to imagine the hole he in leaving on this earth but know that he is making Heaven a better place. God bless you.
Erin Kelenc
January 20, 2009
Dear Ali & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and we are always here for you.
Love - Brian & Erin Kelenc
Stacy Woods
January 20, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish i could be there for you.
Mike & Linda Lakdawala
January 20, 2009
Mayor Welch and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences. We pray God will keep his soul in peace and give you enough strength to burden the loss of your Beloved Son.
Susan Fee
January 20, 2009
Mayor Welch & Family, Please accept our prayers during this difficult time. Bob & Sue Fee
Janet Samoska
January 20, 2009
Dear Des & Family...Randy & I are so very sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories you have of Matt give you comfort...our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Janet & Randy Samoska
Amy Franciskovic-Kwiat
January 20, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I was friends with Matt in Elementary thru HS but had sadly lost touch as most do after HS. I will always remember his smile it was contagious. Also I will remember his humor, he was a very funny guy. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Rick Conklin
January 20, 2009
To Matt's family,
I can't begin to tell you how sorry we all are.
Matt and I became instant friends when we first met during freshman year of high school. I was fortunate enough to meet most of you at some point or another, and could instantly tell where Matt developed his warmth and friendly persona.
As the years passed, and Matt and I fell further out of touch, I still always felt that we could resume at any point -- he was that approachable and open with his friendship.
I wish I still had that opportunity. He'll surely be missed.
Katie Gallagher McClellan
January 19, 2009
Dear Mr. Welch and Family,
I am saddened by the news of Matt's passing. He was the most gentle, loving soul and I am grateful to have known him the years that I did. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Katie Gallagher McClellan
Angela Nickerson-Starman
January 19, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
I haven't seen Matt since grade school but from what I remember growing up in Country Club Hills- he was a good kid and I'm sure he grew up to be a good man- my deepest sympathies.
Jack and Ginny Schumacher
January 19, 2009
Mayor Welch and Family,
There are no words to express our sympathy for the loss of your son, Matt. We know your hearts are broken, these things aren't supposed to happen to our children. We are so sorry, and hope you find comfort in knowing that Matt was a fine young man and will be missed by many.
Michelle McCormick
January 19, 2009
I am sorry for you loss, Matt was a great person and friend. I knew him in high school, but lost touch during our college years. His smile will always be remembered.
Dick Mason
January 19, 2009
Mayor Welch and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick Mason and family
Ruth Meinheit
January 19, 2009
Dwight, Brenda, Allison and Desiree~
We will always cherish the memories of Matthew. Our prayers and thoughts are with him. No parent should ever have to bury their child. God's Blessings~ Ruth and Ed Meinheit
Kim Nicks
January 19, 2009
Dwight, My deepest sincerest sympathies go out to you and your family. I was very saddened by the news. Matt was a good kid and would go out of his way for everyone. He was always very pleasant and always smiling. My thoguhts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Manny Hoffman
January 19, 2009
Dwight: Judy and I are our of town otherwise we would be there. Our thoughts are with you and your family and our prayers are with you. God bless you.
Michael Boyd
January 19, 2009
to the welch family
so sorry for your loss matt will forever be a great friend and will be missed dearly
Lawrence Middleton and Family
January 19, 2009
Mayor Welch and Family,
May God ease your pain at this time and memories of a wonderful son remain in your hearts forever.
James and Karen Digirolamo/Malec
January 18, 2009
Dear Mayor and Family of Matthew:
We came to know Matt during his days at Caesar's Restaurant and after it closed, ran in to him periodically around town. He always spotted us and came to say hello and give us a big hug. His smile would brighten the room and always make you feel better. While he has gone MUCH too soon, he has left fond memories with the many people that were lucky enough to have had the chance to know him. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tia SCHOEN
January 18, 2009
Alli, Max & family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers. We understand more than you can imagine.
Tia & John Schoen & Max Kauling
Jen Hyland
January 18, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that there are no words that I can say to make the pain go away. Matt was a part of my life for a number of years, and I will always cherish those memories. He always had the ability to make you laugh even when you were mad at him. He was always the protective brother to both his sisters, and I know he will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Betsy Zwit
January 18, 2009
My deepest sincerest sympathies, to Mr. Welch, Allie and Max. I am so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a great person, with such a lovin spirit and kind heart. He was always worried about everyone else enjoying themselves, or making sure they were having a good time. It is just the kind of guy Matt was. I am truely saddened for your loss.
Jeanette Comein - Levine
January 18, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I have had the opportunity to spend a little time with him at the many city events that I have been to and will miss seeing his smiling face at them now. Heaven just got a little brighter now that they have Matt.
Lisa Karczewski White
January 18, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Kathie Rossi
January 18, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies during this very sad time. Although Matt has left your family much too soon, as time passes hold in your hearts the happiness, fun, and love Matt brought to you. May those memories bring a contentment knowing you have been blessed to have had Matt as a son, brother and friend. God bless you all.
Alan & Renee Kaminsky
January 18, 2009
Dear Mayor and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Words are not enough at a time like this. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers to help you get through this most difficult time. Matt was a great person, who always had time to say "hello" and give a hug, no matter how busy he was. His time was too short. He will be surely missed!
Amy Steinhauser
January 18, 2009
Alli, Max, and family.....
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please take care of yourself during this very rough time. Hang in there.....
Love~
Amy Steinhauser
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