By Dee Longfellow
Elmhurst resident Matthew “Matt” James Toole passed away peacefully on March 29, 2022, surrounded by his devoted family at the age of 51, following a courageous 12-year battle with ALS. Matt is survived by his amazing wife, devoted caregiver, best friend, and the love of his life, Karen (nee Regan), and the pride and joy of his life, his adored and accomplished children, Regan and Paddy.
Matt also leaves behind a large, loving and caring family, including his parents, James and Ruth Toole; his sister Michelle and brother-in-law David Ryan; his mother-in-law, Jeanne (the late Jack) Regan; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law (he affectionately called “the outlaws”), Kathleen and Joseph Kusper, Patricia and Graham Leonard, John and Kathleen Regan, Kevin and Diane Regan, and Michael and Lisa Regan; numerous nieces and nephews who adored and admired Uncle Matt, as well as some great-nieces and nephews.
The Toole and Regan families would like to specially acknowledge and offer heartfelt thanks to Matt’s dedicated and faithful caregiver, Manny, for his invaluable help, comfort, support, and friendship.
More about Matt Toole’s life
Matt graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1988, where he proudly held, and continues to hold, three records for freshman pole vault, all set in 1985. After graduating from high school, Matt attended Southern Illinois University, where he became a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and spent his distinguished career working at Sargent & Lundy, where he was well-regarded by all who had the pleasure of working with him.
Long-time member of Visitation, Knights of Columbus
A long-time parishioner of Visitation Church and an actively involved Visitation School parent, Matt coached Regan and Paddy’s Visitation School basketball teams. Matt also was an active member of the Visitation Fathers’ Club, forging many strong friendships and enjoying many social activities with his fellow dads. Matt also coached Paddy’s Elmhurst youth baseball teams.
When his children moved on to York High School, Matt was a most passionate cheerleader and fan extraordinaire of York Dukes sports, especially Regan’s tennis and badminton teams and Paddy’s football and lacrosse teams. During his long illness, Matt even stepped up to act as the administrator of the York High School Parents Facebook Page.
Matt felt blessed and grateful to see both Regan and Paddy excel academically and graduate from York and beamed with pride when each of them received the Chick Evans Scholarship, which is given to outstanding caddies, Regan at University of Illinois, and Paddy at Michigan State University. Matt also felt honored to be named University of Illinois King Dad 2020.
An active member of the Knights of Columbus, Matt achieved the rare distinction of Fourth Degree Knight for the Elmhurst Knights of Columbus Chapter 1911 and enjoyed many nights of food, drink, and fellowship there.
The travel bug bites
Matt enjoyed traveling to numerous places, including a beautiful honeymoon to Ireland, a dream cruise to Alaska, trips to Punta Cana and Mexico, among other places. His favorite destination, however, was the annual Michigan family vacation in Palisades Park, where he could invariably be found perched on his favorite beach chair — his red cooler filled with ice cold beer. By day’s end, his fair skin usually matched the color of his cooler. During his annual stay in Palisades, Matt spent time relishing family fun, surfing the waves, throwing a football or tossing a Frisbee, winning bags tournaments, and watching the breathtaking sunsets.
Even when ALS had sapped the strength in his arms, Matt could still beat most players during those bags tournaments. Until he could no longer operate his camera, Matt acted as the family photographer, capturing beautiful, candid images of all of those precious memories.
Music, dogs and other interests
A consummate “Dead Head,” that is, a fan of the Grateful Dead, Matt liked many types of music and especially enjoyed the personal serenade from the Shannon Rovers each year just before the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day parade. A connoisseur of IPA beers and great restaurants, Matt loved nothing more than sharing a great meal and a cold drink with family and friends. He was a dedicated Chicago Blackhawks fan, attended many games, and met many of the players. Matt also was an avid mountain biker.
Matt had a special affinity for Bernese Mountain Dogs and served as the former treasurer and board member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northeastern Illinois. In addition to those precious pups who crossed the Rainbow Bridge and were waiting to embrace him as he entered the pearly gates, he leaves behind his loyal companions, Mulligan, Bogie, and Divot.
Matt passionately contributed to and participated in as many ALS advocacy and outreach groups as possible, including NEALS Research Ambassador, I AM ALS Patient Advisory Board, Les Turner ALS Foundation, and ALS Association of Greater Chicago Support Groups. Although Matt had ALS, he never let the illness define him. His remarkable life was a lesson in perseverance, grit, and determination.
Matt was a loyal, caring and generous friend to so many and an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Everyone will miss his megawatt smile and upbeat attitude. Matt often said that every day is a gift, and one of the best ways to honor his memory is to treat each day as a gift.
The family is forever grateful for the love, prayers, meals, emotional and financial support, and many acts of kindness from the countless people who rallied around all of us during this journey, including all of Matt’s Minions in the Visitation, York, and Elmhurst communities and beyond; his lifelong high school friends; his fraternity brothers at Sig Ep; his friends and colleagues at Sargent & Lundy; Matt’s brothers at the Elmhurst Knights of Columbus; and all who organized, supported, and contributed to the No Frills Run.
Services scheduled
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21 from 3-8 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 S. York St. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St. Entombment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. Both of Matt’s children were blessed to be recipients of the Chick Evans Scholarship. Thus, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Western Golf Association, 2501 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Ill., 60026 are deeply appreciated. For funeral information, call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
