Tinley Park HS, Family Mourn Teen Known For 'Always Making A Friend'

TINLEY PARK, IL — A community is mourning a beloved Tinley Park teen who died suddenly Saturday, June 17.

Matthew Berry—also lovingly known as Maffoo or Foobie, his obituary reads—died in his sleep the morning of June 17, family said in the obituary. Berry was a Tinley Park native, attending District 146 schools Fulton Elementary and Central Middle School before going on to Tinley Park High School.

In a detailed, colorful tribute, family spoke of a teen who was "a collector," who loved cooking, singing and "dressing in style."

"Maffoo was a collector," his obituary reads. "He loved collecting little trinkets like rocks, fidgets, and souvenirs, but most of all, people. He collected people everywhere he went, always making a friend."

Berry was a foodie, his family said, "and often created breakfasts, grilled steaks, and eagerly shared tips with his Dad on how to be a master chef."

He loved his family, and cherished tradition and his time with them.

"Matthew enjoyed getting haircuts from his Papa and was especially proud when he grew taller than his Nonie," the obituary reads. "He enjoyed playing Mario Kart and Super Mario Bros with his family and friends. Maffoo loved golfing with his family and always seemed to get the lowest score. He loved game nights with family and friends gathered around, and just like golf, somehow, he always seemed to win."

He eagerly threw himself into passions and activities, family wrote.

"He joined every club and sport at school he could. His elementary years were filled with clubs such as Earth Angles, Backgammon, and chorus."

He played for the Tinley Park Bulldog Baseball club—"a sport he truly enjoyed for the friends and the snacks after each game."

The organization paid tribute to Berry on its social media.

"...It is with a heavy heart that we inform all of you of the sudden passing of Matthew Berry, a former Bulldogs Baseball player," they wrote. "Matthew was a junior at Tinley Park High School and played Bulldogs Baseball for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Matthew's family during this extremely difficult time. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog and Matthew you will never be forgotten."

He went on to play on the volleyball, golf, swim and tennis teams, in addition to joining the chess club, scholastic bowl and mathletes. He also played trombone in the Tinley Park High School band.

The obituary shares a deep description of "Maffoo"—everything from his passion for dressing sharp, love for his pets Daisy, Tiger, Chewy, Finny, Penny, Oscar and his new fish.

His death has stunned his parents Kevin and Julie, and older siblings Kyle, Lauren, and Johnny.

"Maffoo’s family is heartbroken and alone without him at home," they wrote in the obituary. "He was the glue that held everyone together. Maffoo will be forever loved. He is a model for living life to the fullest.

"He truly lived in the moment, uninhibited, full of life, happiness, and love."

Visitation will be held Friday, June 23, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Brady-Gill Funeral Home, 16600 S. Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park. Family and friends will meet at Brady-Gill funeral home on Saturday, June 24 for Chapel Prayers at 9 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 6707 175th St. Interment to take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Matthew's name directly to TPHS in honor of the Matthew Berry Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (708)614-9900.