George (Rick) Richard Matteucci
George (Rick) Richard Matteucci 1948-2024
Rick unexpectedly died of pancreatic cancer in Downers Grove surrounded by family. He was a fiercely loyal man devoted to his family and strengthening his community. An eternal optimist who will be fondly remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and love of life.
Rick was born on January 9, 1948 in Chicago to George and Elaine Matteucci. He was raised in Oak Park and moved to Greenhills, Ohio during his adolescence. Music was a tremendous passion for Rick and he played music for the entirety of his life. Rick was an accomplished pianist who was known for his “Warsaw Concerto” concert solo and Chopin pieces. Rick dabbled in semi-professional music settings throughout his life. Starting in his early teens, he performed the piano in nightclubs with big band groups, played piano in cocktail lounges, provided Saturday church service music, and in retirement played piano in the evenings at the local Italian bistro.
During his graduate school studies at Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona, he met his late wife, Linda. Rick supported his studies by playing the piano at Diamond’s Restaurant while Linda served drinks as the cocktail waitress. They were married in 1972 and raised their two children Mike (Brooke) and Christina (Aron Langley) in Western Springs, Illinois. They were happily married for 33 years.
Family, education and community were of paramount importance to Rick. His outgoing personality and natural leadership qualities brought people together. At Greenhills High School he served as class president, captain of the band, tennis 1st single, and he was a prominent musician. Rick studied political science at DePauw University and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. He played the tenor saxophone in the West Suburban Concert Band for over 40 years and served as the president of the band for many years. Rick founded the Lyons Township Soccer Club in 1986, which has grown from a one team club into a formidable and prestigious club in the Chicago western suburbs. Rick loved his 40 years playing monthly pinochle with his beloved group of Western Springs friends. For nearly 40 years, Rick was a proud small business owner of Manderscheid Equipment and Supply, which sold industrial abrasives and buffing products nationally and globally.
Rick was remarried in 2011 to Joyce Marine. They enjoyed the arts together and attended countless shows, musical concerts, and theater productions. They cherished their years in downtown Downers Grove and shared wonderful years of retirement together.
Rick is survived by his wife, Joyce Marine, son Michael (Brooke) daughter Christina (Aron Langley) and stepchildren Brett Marine (Jenn Terrell) and Dana Marine (Alejandro Vargas), Nonno of Matthew, Griffin, Lucas, Elise, Ellie, Ethan, Matthew and Luca; brother of Rob (Carla), Steve (Genny) and Susan (Mike Loftin); he was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years Linda Matteucci and his parents George and Elaine Matteucci.
Funeral Services will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street Countryside. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 19th. Funeral service 10a.m. on Friday, December 20th at the the funeral home with interment following at the Bronswood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Center for Independence cfimove.org
Additional Information: 708-352-6500
Sorry to hear about your dad.
I am so sorry for your loss. I played in the West Suburban Concert Band with Rick for many years. He was a kind, gentle person and a wonderful musician. He will be missed by his WSCBBfriends.
Joyce, So so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts are with you!
Jennifer
Rick was in my 3M Training Class in early 1973. Great Guy. Always enjoyed being with him.
Rick and I were pledge brothers / fraternity brothers (Sigma Nu) at DePauw University. Our fraternity had a well-deserved “Animal House” reputation, but we also always ranked high on the academic scoreboard. All of my pledge brothers have gone on to lead productive and commendable lives with many positive contributions to society…………..and Rick probably leads the pack in that regard. Picture this: our fraternity living room (huge !!! -even had a grand piano)…………..a couple of dozen boisterous, loud jocks milling around………….Rick returns from class, sets his books on the piano, sits down and starts playing. The room goes quiet and we all just listen and appreciate…………..mesmerized. This happened often………..Rick had a gift that he never hesitated to share. I’m certain that he is now displaying his talents in heaven to a harp accompaniment……..and they too are mesmerized.
My deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Rest in Peace Brother Rick
Rick was a fellow Sigma Nu at DePauw. I remember his smile, his energy, and his optimism. He’ll be missed by all of us who knew him.
Like Rupe Beckstett (see above), I was a pledge brother of Rick at Sigma Nu fraternity at DePauw University. Although I left DePauw after two years, I remember Rick well. He was always a happy, enthusiastic guy. I have fond memories of his crazy saxophone playing. He made life fun. My condolences to his family.
Rick was my roommate at DePauw and a good friend. We sang in the University chorus, and spent a lot of time together just talking. He was gregarious, generous, and brilliant. I am so glad I got to spend four years with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick was a fraternity brother of mine whose musical talents superseded everyone’s. I had dabbled playing the piano in my youth but never came close to the magic that Rick produced every time he sat down to play.
His warm smile and easy demeanor will be missed by all his loved ones. He truly lived a life of a true Sigma Nu. RIP my friend!
Deep voice, enthusiastic smile, serious student; and, of course, our “music man”.
Our four-year Brother. Last saw him at a Sima Nu reunion some years back. I regret
not having the privilege of gathering around the piano, just one more time.
TG, Rick was my roommate several times during our years at Sigma Nu. Great talent as everyone above has said. I gave him the “Mario” nickname when he showed up with that red car. Being Italian, like Mario Andretti it just fit and for evermore he will be Mario to me. Re3st in peace brother.
Joyce,
I was shocked to hear about Rick’s passing. What an incredible man he was-such a fighter. I know he will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. I share in your sadness.
Michael,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I know how hard he fought and how much he will be missed. Sending you my love and sympathy.
I am so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. Rick was such a great friend to my mother. I remember him as such a warm, kind, and friendly person. I was always happy to see him. I am grateful for all times he served as a piano accompanist for my saxaphone solos in school. He was always so cheerful, encouraging and helpful. I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Dear Susan
So sorry for your loss. He was a rematkable man. May he rest in peace