Romuald E. "Ro" Matuszczak age 97, Veteran WWII USMC. Beloved husband of Harriet Chris nee Kolaski; dearest father of Janet Ernst, Richard, Yvonne (Tom) Koontz, Paul (Debi), Diana Duff, and Renee (Bret) Robinson; stepfather of Krystyn Wells, and Tyler (Brandy) Wells; loving grandfather of 10, he was preceded in death by his wife Halina nee Synowiec.

He was a graduate of Loyola University earning a Bachelor of Science degree.  During World War II, he served in the United States Marine Corps for two and one-half years and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Ro Matuszczak was active in Polonia for many years.  His accomplishments include:

• Honorary Parade Marshal of the 2022 Polish Constitution Day Parade
• Received an Award of Appreciation from the Polish National Alliance for his many years of dedicated service to the organization
• Received the Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Richard M. Daley for his lifelong contributions to Chicago
• Received the Award of Merit from the Advocates Society (The Association of Polish-American Attorneys)
• Awarded the Legion of Honor from the Polish National Alliance for distinguished and dedicated service to the community, Lodge 1450 and the Polish National Alliance
• Past award recipient of the Civilian Man of the Year of the Polish American Police Association
• Received an Award of Appreciation from the Polish Constitution Day Parade Committee for his years of service, giving of his time with loyalty and dedication
• Received a Certificate of Recognition from the Society of Polish Travel Agents for his dedication to the organization
• Received an Award of Appreciation for his continuous years of service as President (19 years) of the Polish American Businessmen's Club
• Received a Medal of Honor from Poland's Ministry of Sport and Tourism for his work in expanding tourism to Poland

• Received the Person of the Year Award from the Chicago Society PNA
• Seven-time past president of the Chicago Society of the Polish National Alliance, an organization of professional men and businessmen, of which he has been a member for 66 years.  He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chicago Society for his service and selfless dedication.
• Has served as chairman of the Chicago Society Deserving Children's Christmas Party for 53 years

• Has been Chairman of and involved with the pre-parade Chicago Society Polish Constitution Day Brunch for 41 continuous years
• A past member of the St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Advisory Board for over 32 years
• Past member on the Board of Directors of the Polish Museum of America
• Four-time chairman of the Polish Museum of America Summer Ball
• Past president and past executive director of the Chicago Area Council of Senior Citizens Organization which was instrumental in getting Medicare passed
• Past president of the Polish American Commercial Club
• Past president of the Society of Polish American Travel Agents
• Past vice president of the Midwest Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents
• Past second vice chairman Pacific Asia Travel Association
• Past president of Allied Travel and Tours (a travel consortium)
• Past president of the Chicago Society Foundation
• Served over 20 years as Financial Secretary of the Polish Constitution Day Parade Committee and member for 28 years
• Served as Chairman of the West-Town District Cancer Drive
• Former director and announcer of a Polish radio program for 14 years
• Past Judge Advocate for the Des Plaines VFW Post 2992
• President of the Advisory Board and Chaplain of Des Plaines VFW Post 2992
• Ro has also chaired many events and benefits
• Ro is also a musician playing the piano, saxophone and clarinet

Ro was proud to be a member of the Polish National Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union, the Polish Legion of American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was a member of the Elks and an associate member of the Polish American Police Association (PAPA).

Romuald E. Matuszczak was President of R. Matuszczak & Co. Travel Bureau, Inc. (Matco Travel).  The late Richard Matuszczak, father of Romuald, started the firm on January 13, 1920.  Matco Travel ceased operations on December 31, 2021.

Visitation Thursday 3:00PM until 8:00PM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Niles. Funeral Friday 9:00 AM to St. Mary Church (Des Plaines) for 10:00 AM mass. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Ro's memory to either the charity of your choice or donate to the organization he was a proud member of for over 65 years: https://www.chicagosocietypna.org/donate