Matthew "Matt" J. Gawronski

Matthew “Matt” Gawronski, 47, of Crystal Lake, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2023, while doing one of his favorite past-times, playing fetch with his dogs at his home.

Matt was born January 4, 1976, in Park Ridge, Illinois to Charles and Armella “Dolly” Gawronski.

He grew up in Niles as the youngest of four loud Gawronski boys. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1994 and then began his true passion of cooking at Triton College.

Matt was always in the heart of the home, his kitchen. He could be found creating one of his many amazing dishes or simply relaxing watching TV. His approach to food was much like ones of his favorite show Chopped, making creations out of anything he could find. After 18 years in professional kitchens, Matt cooled down to a chilling 35 degrees as a Journeyman Butcher beginning at Mariano’s and then moving to Jewel-Osco for the past six years.

As beloved sports fan, he would often speak ahead of the announcers calling out the play or sharing a fact about the players in any sport. Often screaming with excitement at the TV because of his Minnesota Vikings or criticizing the White Sox with his stepdaughter when they were not playing well. Matt would talk sports with anyone that would listen. Sharing the love for baseball, Matt, Cara and Kayla started traveling to each of the MLB ballparks in recent years, with tickets purchased for the London Series 2023.

Although passing away so young and full of life, Matt now has center stage to pitchers and catchers that will be reporting in a few short weeks. Tip your hat, turn on the MLB network and share your love for the game and for Matt. Go White Sox!

He is survived by his life partner for over 10 years, Cara Meister, his stepdaughter Kayla Meister-Nuhn, his cherished German Shorthaired Pointers Bob and Watson and “littlest” pup, Frank, the Goldendoodle. His father Charles, brothers Mark (Jennifer), Michael (Kathy), and Todd (Kim) Gawronski. Son-in-law to Rich and Sheila Meister. Brother-in-law to Lisa (Armond) Jesse, Laura (Chuck) Heinrich and Christopher Meister. Beloved Coco Matt to Alicia, Sydney, Ethan, Jack, James, Sam and Josh. Adoring uncle to Leah, Katrina, Lexi, Erich, Hamish, and Eve.

He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Dolly.

Public visitation will be Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 3 to 8 pm at Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake. Interment will be private.

In honor of Matt, we invite you to arrive in your sports gear and baseball cap to say good-bye to our loving partner, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been established in Matt’s honor to assist Cara and Kayla.