Matthew G. McHugh

Matt McHugh, 66, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on June 11, 2026. Having recently moved back to Illinois from Michigan, he spent his final weeks closer to where he grew up and to his children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Known for being an outstanding athlete, Matt excelled at nearly every sport he tried including football, baseball, and track in his younger years, and softball and bowling as he got older. While he never quite bowled a perfect game, he did bowl 13 strikes in a row spread across two games, so we're counting that as part of his record. Now that it's published, it's official and we can say he bowled a 300. He also shared his love of fishing with his son, who will carry that tradition forward with his own family.

A defining theme throughout Matt's life was his love of animals. He rescued countless strays over the years, bringing home new companions that brightened his family's lives. The only thing he may have been more dedicated to was trying to win the lottery so he could buy homes and horses for everyone he loved, with enough left over for plenty of good food. Matt was always happy to share a meal, or at the very least tell you what he had eaten that day with genuine enthusiasm, even if you didn’t ask.

Matt was as outgoing as they come, always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Though he was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and for giving the people he loved a hard time, he was equally known for helping those in need, even when he had little to spare himself. His presence, generosity, and humor will be deeply missed by both his family and the community he came to call home in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Matt is survived by his children, Ryan and Kelly; his grandchildren, Noah and Sienna; his siblings, Tim, Anne, Bernadette, Erin, and Michelle; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A private Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local animal rescue organization in Matt's honor.

The family asks that you remember Matt with good meals, bad jokes, time spent cheering on your favorite team, and moments shared with the people you love.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.