'Young Man With An Old Soul': Community Mourns Fire Trustee's Son, 17

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park community is mourning alongside Orland Fire Protection District Trustee Angela Greenfield, following the death of her son at 17 years old.

Matthew Greenfield, a junior at Carl Sandburg High School, was known for his generosity, resilience, and deep love of his family—especially his mother.

"He always, always wanted to make time for me, and that’s as simple as I can say it," Greenfield told Patch. "He gave me his time every day."

"They were inseparable, best friends who provided each other with unwavering dedication and support," Greenfield's fellow trustee Tina Zekich wrote in a GoFundMe in support of the family. Zekich started the online fundraiser in hopes of supporting the family amid their loss.

"No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child," the GoFundMe reads. "Angela and her family are facing the unimaginable pain of losing Matthew, and we want to help ease their financial burden during this incredibly difficult time."

Matthew was the "second born" of Angela and Steven Greenfield—never referred to as a "middle child," Greenfield said—and relished his spot among his siblings.

"He adored his two brothers, Michael and Mark," Zekich said. "Matthew was the glue that kept his family close, always finding ways to make them smile and bring them together."

Family in his obituary wrote that Matthew "would help anyone at a moment's notice, never backing down," a trait Greenfield witnessed always, but especially during her campaign for fire district trustee in 2023.

"He would drive me around town so I could put signs out," she recalled. "He was so proud of it. ... He just wanted me to win so bad."

Matthew reflected his mother's ambitious side. He and his brother Michael started their own business—Greenfield Lawn Care.

"Even at a young age, Matthew achieved so much," Zekich wrote. "... a testament to his determination and entrepreneurial spirit."

Matthew was taken under the wing of Oak Forest-based nonprofit Project Fire Buddies—a volunteer-led effort by local fire departments to show support for children battling critical illness and their families. The group provides moral support, friendship, and positivity for families in its circle—but Matthew showed that right back, the nonprofit wrote.

"He was never one to sit still—he’d rather be working than playing sports or video games. His passion for creating beauty and helping others was unmatched. ...." the organization said on social media. "When he learned that overgrown bushes made it difficult for first responders to reach a neighbor's home, he and his brother took it upon themselves to maintain the yard—for free—just to make sure help could arrive when needed.

"A young man with an old soul, Matthew was a selfless, hardworking, and kind-hearted person who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the organization shared. "... We remember Matthew as the kind of person who never complained, who radiated positivity, and who truly lived to serve others. He was everyone's best friend, a light in the lives of so many, and a young man whose legacy of kindness and generosity will never fade."

Matthew "was loved by everybody," Zekich said.

"He treated everybody like they were family. He always made sure you felt good, and that you had a smile on your face when you left him. He cared about everyone he met."

Greenfield expressed her gratitude for the deep impact Project Fire Buddies had on Matthew and his siblings. They even secured Matthew tickets to a concert this summer. All the more poignant now, Greenfield said, as he had hoped to see Jason Aldean in Tinley Park this summer.

"They literally never leave your side," Greenfield said. "Everything—they’d show up for birthdays, Christmas—and just because."

Matthew leaves behind his beloved dog Bruno, a goldendoodle.

Bruno "was much more than a pet; he was a best friend," Zekich wrote. "Whether they were playing outside, relaxing at home, or just enjoying each other’s company, Matthew’s care for Bruno reflected the deep compassion he had for everyone in his life."

"Matthew found peace and purpose in nurturing life and creating beauty for others to enjoy," his obituary reads. "Matthew wouldn’t hurt a fly, and everything he did was genuine and pure, coming straight from the bottom of his heart."

Greenfield shared that the support shown by both Project Fire Buddies and the Orland Fire Protection District has been remarkable.

"The Fire Protection District, I could not have survived without them," she said.

Firefighters transported him from the hospital, she said.

"I never had to leave his side."

Three of Matthew's Fire Buddies companions will serve as pallbearers, Greenfield said. His remains will be carried to his resting place in a district ambulance, instead of a hearse, she said—a detail set in motion by the fire protection district.

"They have gone above and beyond," Greenfield said. "When they say family, they mean it."

Visitation will be held Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, with a walk-through by the Orland Fire Protection District at 6 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday at 9:30 a.m., proceeding to St. Francis of Assisi Church for a 10:30 a.m. Mass. A live stream of the service is available here. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Project Fire Buddies.