Matthew Robert Suchomski

We lost a beloved son, brother, partner, and friend — Matthew Robert Suchomski — on Thursday, July 24, 2025. His impact on the world was profound, and the legacy he leaves behind is one of passion, generosity, and connection.

Matthew was born on July 2, 1975, in Carbondale, Illinois, and raised in Springfield, the son of Lisabeth and Tim Granzeau. From a young age, Matthew was inquisitive and eager to explore life. Whether it was bike racing, mountain biking, singing in the Seven and Senators, acting, or playing NBA-level basketball against his brothers, his boundless enthusiasm was unmistakable. But some of his most cherished memories were spent in the kitchen on Sunday afternoons, helping prepare gourmet meals with his family. It was during these moments with his dad that his extraordinary culinary gift began to emerge — a talent that would eventually touch his family, friends, and the broader community.

Matthew had a rare ability to thrive in any environment and enrich the lives of everyone he met. He spent his first two years of college at St. Olaf in Northfield, Minnesota, where he sang in the choir and forged lifelong friendships and mentorships. He later transferred to Washington University in St. Louis, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology. It was during this time that he was inspired to pursue a career in film, leading him to New York.

Before settling into post-college life, Matthew embarked on a two-month backpacking trip across Europe. He visited multiple countries, watched several stages of the Tour de France, enjoyed unforgettable meals, and spent time with family friends in Norway.

In New York, Matthew worked on several films before following his true passion in the restaurant industry. Starting from the ground up, he quickly earned the respect of his peers with his keen palate and business sense. He soon became manager and wine director of a prestigious Italian restaurant on the Lower East Side. A trip to Italy to tour wine country deepened his appreciation for food and wine, and shortly after returning, he helped open No. Seven, a Brooklyn restaurant that was named one of Bon Appétit’s Top 10 New Restaurants in the U.S. He further refined his craft by studying at the French Culinary Institute. His next adventure was opening his own restaurant, a bespoke, new American bistro named Todd’s Mill, in memory of his grandparents.

Eventually, Matthew realized that there was no place like home and returned to the Midwest, exploring various paths before returning to what truly fueled him: cooking. He began catering private events, and his reputation grew quickly — his dishes were always the highlight of any gathering and remembered long after. Most recently, he found meaningful purpose in his work with the Illinois farm to school program, Beyond Green, where he traveled statewide training staff at school cafeterias to create scratched cooked meals made from locally sourced produce.

Matthew had a tremendous gift of attracting the best and brightest people in his life. Wherever he lived, he developed friendships with people that brought out the best in him, whether he realized it or not. Upon returning to Springfield, he met one of these people and fell in love with Michelle Ishmael. Michelle was his best friend, his greatest cheerleader, his love and his rock for the past 10 years. She was responsible for his happiness and success and will forever be a cherished part of the family.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Lib and Tim Granzeau; brothers, Andy Suchomski (Lori), Ben Granzeau (Patti and Joe Zaker), and Drew Granzeau; nephews, Colin and Dylan Suchomski, and Gerald Suchomski; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family and friends who will forever miss him.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.

Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield, followed by the Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kent Lolling officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Matthew Suchomski Culinary Scholarship Fund — a tribute to his passion for cooking and his commitment to nurturing others through food. Checks may be made payable to: Lincoln Land Community College Foundation, memo line noting Matt Suchomski Culinary Scholarship Fund, LLCC Foundation, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62703.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield.