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John Matarelli Obituary
PEORIA - John Thomas Matarelli, 77, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 1:35 p.m. at UnityPoint Health-Methodist, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born to Julius and Josephine (Lavin) Matarelli on May 26, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in Kankakee in 1962, then attended Eastern Illinois University, and later graduated from Bradley University in 1966 with a degree in Business. On August 29, 1970, John married the love of his life, Patricia Ryan, and she survives. He spent his career at Makita Power Tools and Central Abrasives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepmother, Bettie Jane (Brandenburg) Shaffer-Matarelli; a brother, Phillip Matarelli; and aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his three children, Mark (Michelle) Matarelli of Castle Rock, Colorado, Daniel (Christian Folse) Matarelli of Dallas, Texas, and Mary "Beth" (Patrick) Alwan of Peoria, Illinois; and grandchildren, Keagan (Ryan) Kotalik of Loveland, Colorado, Sarah Matarelli of Castle Rock, Colorado, and John, Abraham and Luke Alwan of Peoria, Illinois. He has one great-granddaughter, Nora Kotalik of Loveland, Colorado. John is also survived by siblings, Michael (Mary Kay) Matarelli of Venice, Florida, and Mary Catherine Frickson of Bella Vista, Arkansas; a sister-in-law Judy Matarelli of Lockport, Illinois; Gregory (Marcia) Matarelli of Rockwall, Texas; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
John Matarelli enjoyed crossword scratch-offs, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, reading the newspaper and, most of all, spending time with family and creating nicknames for everybody. John was an avid Chicago Bears, Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs fan. He attended St. Philomena Catholic Church every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. He was an amazing and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Friends and family members will miss him dearly.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, with the Rev. David Richardson officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private burial of ashes will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to St. Philomena Church or Peoria Notre Dame High School.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted at www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Matarelli
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
Mike Lavin
July 5, 2025
Johnny and I had great times in Peoria and Pontiac during the 50s. He taught me how to rock and roll dance.
Mike Lavin
July 5, 2024
Johnny, I enjoyed working with your grandson exploring the life and times of our grandfather, Thomas James. You should be very proud of John, whose ancestral inquiries, provided so many insights. Miss you, John, Mike Lavin, Coronado, Ca.
michael lavin
December 11, 2023
Johnny, we had such a wonderful and memorable visits with Granny Lavin, back in the early 50s. You taught me how to dance to rock and roll music and used those moves for decades. You have a great family. Mike Lavin
Mary Steiner
July 15, 2021
Pat and family,
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I'm sorry to not be able to attend as I'm out of town.
Wishing you and your family prayers and deepest
sympathy,
Mary Steiner
jim johnson
July 14, 2021
Hi Patty,
I am sorry to hear of the death of your husband. I did not know him, but he must have been a wise man, as he married you. I will remember him in my prayers and look forward to meeting him in heaven.
Marge Gallagher
July 13, 2021
Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe passed away last Christmas and I had so hoped we could touch base with you before that. It has been so long. . .
Tom & Glenda Lavin
July 11, 2021
Matarelli Family, Condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless John.
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