John A. Matalis, age 84, of Lombard, passed away May 9, 2026.
John was the beloved husband of 55 years of Sandra, nee Goryl; dear father of Andrew (June) Matalis; brother of Michael Matalis, brother of the late Tom (Phyllis) Matalis and the loving son of the late Adolph and the late Bernice Matalis.
John received his mechanical engineering degree from Illinois Institute of Technology. He later served in the United States Army in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where he taught pharmacy. He was an accomplished mechanical engineer for Electro-Motive and International Harvester. He also was a part-time instructor for College of DuPage for 25 years where he taught machine shop. In his retirement years he taught for AARP’s safe drivers program.
He was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter and was proud to have built a second home on their small farm in Wisconsin. He loved his tractors.
John was quite active in the community. He was a volunteer at Kline Creek farm and helped build their summer kitchen, a member of the Lombard American Legion Post, the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club, the Sandwich Early Day Engine Club and a lifetime member of the Aurora Sportsman’s Club. He was also a long-time member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lombard.
John was a very caring man who loved animals. He was a reader who loved history. He was a smart, gifted tinkerer who believed in “don’t buy new, fix it!”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 350 E. Madison St., Lombard. Interment followed at Lithuanian National Cemetery, 8201 S Kean Ave, Justice, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Cat Guardians, 932 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard, IL 60148; or West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, would be appreciated.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
