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Matthew Husar Obituary
Matthew T. Husar, a lifelong resident of Chicago and the south suburbs, died July 4, 2022, at his home in Palos Heights following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Husar, 70, was born Feb. 3, 1952, in Chicago to John Z. and Kathryn Husar. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School on Chicago's Southwest Side, Husar earned a Bachelor of Science in Geography in 1977 from Eastern Illinois University at Charleston. Husar had a lifetime affection for railroading and spent most of his life working in railroad-related fields. At one point he served as a trainmaster for the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad. He later got involved in railroad safety work and served for a time as a railroad accident investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board. Husar spent 26 years with Metra Commuter Rail before retiring in 2012 as Superintendent of the Rock Island Line. Additional titles held were Director of Operations and Assistant Superintendent of the Metra Electric Line. Husar served as treasurer of the Chicago Railroad Superintendents Association where he was a member for more than 23 years. An avid biker, bird watcher, nature lover and amateur aviation spotter, Husar also was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights. He was actively engaged in the church's Big Build homebuilding program and a regular attendee of the bible study group. Husar is survived by his wife, the former Donna Gallinaitis of Palos Heights; daughters Emma, Madeline and Claire Husar of Palos Heights; daughter Chyanne Husar, son-in-law Jason Fess and granddaughter Eloise Husar Fess, all of Brookfield; sister Jez Husar and partner Kent Heath of Freeport; brothers Mike Husar and his wife, Barbara, of Chicago, Fred Husar of Lyons and Edward Husar and his wife, Deborah, of Quincy; mother-in-law Anna Gallinaitis, brother-in-law Willie Gallinaitis and his wife, Evelyn, of Westmont; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Husar was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, John P. Husar, a longtime sports writer and outdoors columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
Visitation was held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 4:00 to 8:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Remembrance Service at Good Shepherd Church (7800 S. McCarthy Rd Palos Hts). Funeral was held on Friday 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Church Palos Hts.
Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to any of the following organizations: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:
https://www.pancan.org/
Rails to Trails Conservancy:
https://www.railstotrails.org/
American Eagle Foundation:
https://www.eagles.org/. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home (708) 974-4410.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Husar
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Deacon Milton Leppert
May 1, 2024
To my brother in Christ, Matt. You were a living example of God's grace on earth. A fine railroader, a loving, fair and decent man but most importantly an instrument of the Lord's Peace and a mouthpiece of his Word. You lived your life in service to others and as an act of self-emptying love. You were perfection in the sight of God.
And, as Matt rose from the waters of his Baptism, the Heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended and the voice of the Father was heard to say, "This is Matthew, my beloved son with whom I am well pleased."
"Well done good and faithful servant! Enter into the Kingdom I have prepared for you. "
Sue-Ann Rosen
August 29, 2022
I worked with Matt many years ago at Metra. He was quiet, decent, and always a pleasure to work with. I was so sorry to hear of his passing and send my best wishes to his family.
Virginia A Chandler
July 10, 2022
My deepest sympathy to Matt's family and all who loved him. I greatly appreciated his guidance when I first began working at Metra on 2000. He truly was among Metra's best!
Asta Reitneris
July 10, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I had the pleasure of meeting Matt at the monthly zoom Wellness House pancreatic group several months ago. He was a gentle soul who will be missed by all.
Kathleen and John Vinson
July 9, 2022
We remember Mr. Matt Husar from Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in Palos Heights, IL. We were fellow Thursday evening Bible study members as well. Matt always added his opinion to the discussion in a professional manner. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Husar family. May he rest in peace with our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bob Valentine
July 8, 2022
I was a police officer with Metra Railway and worked with Matt for many years. He was a fine man and a good railroader. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
David Cook
July 8, 2022
Great Mentor and Friend
David Gaidas and Family
July 10, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Lucille Nykiel Gibbs
July 8, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Remembering the Husar Family on Mulligan Ave. My parents and theirs were friends at St. Daniel the Prophet; John was our paperboy, Mike was my classmate. Each person in that family a one of a kind! Many memories from "the good ol' days"! May God rest the soul of Matt. Lucille Nykiel Gibbs
Temple S.
July 7, 2022
I worked for Matt and with Matt for several years early in my career and appreciated his warmth and wisdom. It was fun stopping into his office and chatting about all the things. He had an interesting and very intellectual outlook on life. He is missed. Peace to you all.
Kathleen Vinson
July 6, 2022
I remember Matt Husar from the Thursday evening Bible study. He was an avid Bible study person who was always quick to add a comment on subject we were studying. I believe he came to study when Pastor Basch then Pastor Chris was leading the group. He always had a kind word to say.
Joyce Grochowski
July 6, 2022
Donna and family. So sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. He always had a smile and said hello when I saw him in church. I will miss seeing him.
Marikaye Buchanan
July 6, 2022
My dear troublemaker cousin. Your memory will live in my heart forever. My love and thoughts are with all of you.
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Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, IL 60465
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