Matthew Charles MacFadden Jr. (81) of Willowbrook, Illinois passed away the morning of May 27th, 2024 in his home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Rosalyn Ellyn MacFadden (Barr) and his parents Mary (Vigh) and Matthew Charles MacFadden Sr. and brother Mark MacFadden who we know greeted him at heaven’s gates. Matt Jr. was a devoted husband, caring father, and an adored “Grampy Mac”. Matt and Rosie spent many years living throughout the U.S. due to Matt’s dedication to his field of Human Resources in the steel industry. They had called Chicago, Patterson, NJ, Baltimore, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Alta Loma, CA, and Leawood, KS home, but their final resting place will be in Illinois where the two married in 1969. 

Matt Jr. had fond memories of all those who he worked with, and still told stories about those days much later than he should have remembered them. You could find yourself in conversation with Matt without realizing an hour had passed as he made you feel like he knew you your whole life. He had a way of pulling you in and making you feel at home in speaking with him, even if some of his stories were made more interesting by stretching the truth a little bit.

Matt Jr. was born in Fairfield, CT and his family moved to LaGrange, IL when he was about 12 years old. He attended St. Cletus, graduated from Fenwick High School, and went on to earn his degree at John Carroll University and later a Master’s Degree from Loyola University. Matt had first studied to become a priest, and Rosie and his children are sure glad for a pivot into History and Law with a career in Human Resources. Further proof that he spent his life fighting for fairness for others and taking care of everyone around him. An avid Cubs fan, Matt enjoyed being at Wrigley and reliving the days of skipping school to catch the L and a game with his friends. Matt also loved watching football, and Kansas basketball – really any sport he could get on the TV!

Matt Jr. is survived by his son Matthew Charles III, his granddaughter Calliope Grace, daughter Meghan Ellyn Kuhlman (John III) and a grandson on the way, his sisters Cynthia Kaufmann (Peter), and Deborah Crean (Fred), and his 3 nieces (Katie Kauffman, Paige Rambeaux-Gershak, Kristina Turner) and 4 nephews (Peter Kauffman, Paul Pitcherello, Joel Rambeaux, and Dan Rambeaux). 

We will all remember Matt’s humor (and his laugh that filled any room with joy), celebrate his giving soul, and his unwavering love for his family and find solace knowing he is without pain and finally with Rosie, resting in God’s eternal sight. 

A memorial service will be held on June 14th, 2024 at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison Street, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10AM until time of funeral service at 11AM.  An interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Matt’s honor can be made to Dementia Friendly America, Meals on Wheels, or Northwestern Medicine’s Division of Geriatrics.