Matthew Hatfield

Matthew Robert Hatfield, 41, residing in Grayslake, Illinois, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Feb. 15, 2023. Matt, born on Jan. 14, 1982, grew up in Lisle, Illinois graduated from Illinois State University and went on to become a senior graphic designer at TVH Parts Co.

He was a great brother, nephew, uncle, co-worker and friend to many. But he was an incredible son.

He was his parents’ best friend, a caretaker, Mr. Fixit, a constant companion. He was the family IT guy. He was the only one of a brood of six who had bona fide “life skills.” Sometimes lovingly referred to as “Uncle Critical,” Matt had a biting wit that could disguise an unparalleled generosity. To family and friends, he always came with big ideas on ways to have fun. As life would invariably get in the way, he’d quickly become the cattle prod to ensure those ideas became a reality.

A superfan of fine beer and all his Chicago sports teams, Matt is survived by father Edward Hatfield and mother Anne Hatfield (Johnson) of Plainfield, Illinois; as well as four brothers, Tim Hatfield and wife, Amanda, of Palatine, Illinois; Andy Hatfield and wife, Sue, of Plainfield, Illinois; William Hatfield and wife, Julie, of Tallahassee, Florida; and two sisters, Jenny Hatfield McKeever and husband, Jim, of Lisle, Illinois; and Megan Hatfield and partner Sally Duggan of Rockford, Illinois. Matt was also a beloved uncle to Aubrey and Natalie Hatfield; Charlie and Willie McKeever; Ani, Eden and Liam Hatfield; and was the adored nephew of Jonny and Chrissy Johnson of Sarasota, Florida.

In his wallet, he carried the following prayer that was emblematic of everything that Matt brought to this life.

As I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me become so indifferent, that I will fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget momentarily, all the unpleasantness in their lives.

And in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: "When you made My people smile, you made Me smile."

Memorial Visitation will be held between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Memorial Service from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, February, 24th, 2023 at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue (Route 53), Lisle, Illinois 60532.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Daybreak of Lisle, which provides transitional housing and supportive services to homeless families with children, by sending a check in Matt’s memory to Daybreak of Lisle, 1910 Maple Avenue, Lisle Illinois 60532 or online at https://daybreakoflisle.org/

Or simply brighten someone’s day and lighten their life by buying them an off-the-wall gadget – a legacy of Matt’s that will live in the homes of so many of the people he loved.