Matthew Szymanski, age 70, a longtime resident of Bartlett, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was born February 5, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to Peter and Irene Szymanski.

Matthew grew up in Wheaton and graduated from St. John Lutheran School and Wheaton North High School. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. In the course of his four year Naval career, Airman Szymanski served in helicopter squadrons HAL-3 (the "SeaWolves") and HC-7 (the "SeaDevils"), achieving the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He was awarded numerous commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and two Navy Air Medals for heroic and meritorious achievement. Throughout his life, Matthew took special pride in his role rescuing downed pilots from hostile territory during his service, maintaining contact with many with whom he served.

After the war he returned to the Wheaton area and worked in hydraulic systems fabrication. He eventually became an electrician with IBEW Local 134. Matthew enjoyed his dogs, cooking, the outdoors, and fishing, and doting on his grandchildren. He continued to be interested in military and aviation history, participating in Naval symposia dedicated to Vietnam War search and rescue operations, often as an invited speaker and participant.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his two sons, Ryan Matthew (Faith) of Spokane, WA and Graham Drew of Bartlett, as well as two grandchildren, Luciana Marie and Evan Matthew, who he adored to no end. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Birkholz of Elkhart Lake, WI and a brother and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.