Matthew Melucci

Matthew D. Melucci, age 68, of Collinsville, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012 at his residence with family and friends by his side.?
Matt was born January 23, 1944 in Belleville, New Jersey to the late Matteo and Antoinette (nee LaBadia) Melucci.? Besides his parents he is preceded in death by one sister, Maria (Melucci) Bainbridge.
Matt is survived by four nephews, Tom, Tim, Mark and James Bainbridge, two nieces, Carla Cogdell and Maria Wilckens. Also surviving are a great niece and nephews, brother-in-law, aunts and cousins.
Matt was the Madison County Circuit Clerk and Chairman of the Madison County Democratic Party.
A five-term Clerk of the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Melucci was first elected in 1992 and was subsequently re-elected in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. In 2007, Mr. Melucci was also elected Madison County Democratic Party Chairman and was recently re-elected to that post.
"He was truly a wonderful human being and a model public servant, giving a great deal to the people of Madison County, our region and our nation" Jerry Costello, U.S. Congressman, said. "Aside from all he accomplished, Matt was bright, honest, loyal, proud of his family, proud of his Italian heritage, true to his Catholic faith, true to his party - the Democratic Party - and a true friend."
Mr. Melucci had a long career in public service which began during his service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps where he was assigned to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. He was Madison County's first Director of Administration, serving under the late Nelson Hagnauer from 1975 to 1979.
In 1979, Mr. Melucci was named Executive Director of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. He also served as first Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, a position he held until he was elected Madison County Circuit Clerk.
Mr. Melucci received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 1966. In 1974, he received a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University.
During his distinguished career, Mr. Melucci was a St. Louis Fellow in the Program for Senior Executives of State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and was in the class of 1977-1978 in the Danforth Foundation's St. Louis Leadership Program. Mr. Melucci was also Democratic National Committee member.?
Mr. Melucci was a member of S. S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus, American Legion Post 365, past President of the Collinsville Lions Club and the Italian American Club of Southwestern Illinois.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Collinsville Knights of Columbus, Siteman Cancer Center, Father McGivney Catholic High School or in the form of masses.
Visitation will be Monday, May 14, 2012 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.? Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Collinsville.? Father John Beveridge will officiate.
Allan & Ciuferi Funeral Home in Collinsville is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.acfuneral.com.