Larry Matysik

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Larry G. Matysik, 71, of Belleville, IL, born April 26, 1947, in Belleville, IL, died Sunday, November 25, 2018.

Larry attended Henry Raab Elementary School, Central Junior High, and Belleville Township High School (now Belleville West). He continued his education at Belleville Area College (SWIC), Mizzou, and SIU-Edwardsville (where he majored in Professional Writing and minored in Journalism).

Larry is well known as the voice of Wrestling at the Chase from 1972 to 1982. After that, he was involved in his own wrestling promotion (Greater St. Louis Wrestling) and worked for the WWE for ten years. Recently he was involved in local wrestling promotions, notably SICW with Herb Simmons. He wrote five books on wrestling and had been working on books six and seven for the past year.

Wrestling was not his only love. For many years he was the Committee Chairman for the Elks/Multiple Sclerosis Sports Celebrity Dinner held at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, where he worked with Jack Buck and Bob Costas.

He was also involved in area youth sports. He was on the Board of Directors for the Gateway Region of USA Volleyball and founded and managed his own volleyball club, Belleville Momentum. In 2002, he received the Robert L. Lindsey Meritorious Service Award for “outstanding participation, motivation, and other services in the promotion of volleyball.” Likewise, he was coach of The Renegades, a girls’ softball team that played in both Illinois and Missouri.

Besides sports, Larry was active in a variety of other areas. He was a ham radio operator and worked with the St. Clair County/Belleville Emergency Services and Disaster Agency. He was head of the Belleville Auxiliary Police for a number of years as well.

Over the years, he received many honors both in and out of sports. The City of Belleville honored him for “25 years of service and dedication” to communication for the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency from 1958 to 1983.  St. Clair County Civil Defense recognized him for his volunteer services in Radio Communication. In 1983, then Mayor Richard Brauer issued a Proclamation citing Larry as “an outstanding citizen of Belleville” and one who “has brought great credit to himself and the city of Belleville.” Likewise, he was honored by the City of Belleville and the Belleville Police for “his loyal and dedicated service and devotion from 1968 to 2007.”

In 1977 and 1978, Larry was named “TV Commentator of the Year” by “The Squared Circle.” In 2007, he was inducted into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and was honored with the prestigious “Jim Melby Award for Excellence in Writing on Professional Wrestling.”

His most recent honor came on May 17 this year when County Board Chairman Mark Kern proclaimed it “Larry Matysik Day in St. Clair County.”

He was preceded in death by his mother, Corrine Matysik (nee Nolte), his father Edwin Matysik, and his father-in-law Arthur Mattingley.

Larry is survived by his wife Pat (nee Mattingley);
daughter, Kelly (Charles Holmes);
mother-in-law, Rita Mattingley (nee Franke);
brother-in-law, Dennis Mattingly (Kathryn),
nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  An informal celebration of Larry’s life will be held at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home in Belleville from 4:00 to 7:00 on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

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13 Comments on Larry Matysik

Bob Jinkerson said : Guest Report Dec 05, 2018 at 2:58 AM

People like Larry come along rarely. His kindness, intelligence and dignity made my world a richer place to be. My deepest condolences go out to Pat and the rest of his family, as well as those of us who are blessed to call him a friend.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Charlie Mancuso said : Guest Report Dec 04, 2018 at 2:39 AM

Pat and Kelly and family, I am very sorry about your loss. I was privileged to meet Larry through Sam Muchnick, two of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. I also had the opportunity to meet you Pat when we worked with Larry to for the Greater St. Louis Wrestling Club. Just as we were on the cusp of something great our corporate headquarters went through changes that impacted our ability to continue. This greatly saddened Larry and I. He was always a part of our team at the Checkerdome and we will miss him greatly. He was a very smart, honest, kind and caring man.

  • Naperville
  • IL
Linda/David Vallina said : Guest Report Dec 02, 2018 at 4:14 PM

Pat, Kelly and Family Dave and I were deeply sadden by the news of Larry's passing I've always known what a truly loving and devoted couple you were I know you will find continued comfort in those many memories you made through out your marriage We will keep you in our prayers

  • St Louis
  • Missouri
Nancy Todnem said : Guest Report Dec 01, 2018 at 5:45 PM

Pat, Kelly and family, I send my heartfelt condolences to you. I met Larry during our freshman year at BJC. He was always so kind and helpful. His unconditional friendship was exceptional and I have many fond and grateful memories, May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in the days ahead. What a wonderful tribute and impact he had on so many people.

  • Winfield
  • Illinois
Davey S. Bobzin said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2018 at 11:01 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of this news. I looked forward to seeing Larry every chance I got. Our conversations were never quite long enough. If I can help in any way please let me know.

  • Mascoutah
  • Illinois
Tom/Linda Dailey said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2018 at 5:20 PM

We both have very fond memories of Larry. On the list of nice guys he was at the top. Our prayer is for comfort for you and Kelly and for all his loved ones who mourn his passing.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Chip Gray said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2018 at 9:04 PM

Pat, you and your family are in our prayers. We will all miss Larry a lot. God bless and comfort yo during these rough times.

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Becky Richards said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2018 at 8:30 PM

Mrs. Matysik and Kelly - I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Matysik. I never knew him as a wrestling person - I only knew him as part of your family and as a fixture at West. My thoughts and love are with both of you now and always.

  • Newcastle-under-Lyme
  • UK
Cathy Jackson said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2018 at 6:55 AM

Pat, My condolences and love to you, Kelly and your family. Larry was loved, admired and respected by so many people. It was an honor to know him and call him a friend. God bless and be with you.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Mike Gordon said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2018 at 8:06 PM

Pat and Kelly, I am so sorry. Larry was always so kind and generous to talk wrestling with my friends and I and provided many a fun evening. I do miss not seeing you at the hockey games in recent years. I am forever thankful for having the chance to know Larry and call him my friend

  • St Charles
  • Missouri
Karen Sarahan said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2018 at 7:56 PM

I met Larry Matysik for the first time at Sicw and Broadway to. I met thru my fiance Rob Kalert. He is a very nice person. He always said hi to me and gave me hugs.He will be surely missed.

  • Smithton
  • Illinois
Rick said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2018 at 5:37 PM

Larry had a huge impact on my life, even though we never formally met. This world lost one of its Hall of Famers, that is for sure. My sincere condolences to Pat, Kelly, and everybody whose lives were so positively affected by Larry.

  • Charleston
  • West Virginia
Darla Staggs said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2018 at 5:29 PM

Pat and Kelly..... I'm so sorry for your loss. You both know what Larry meant to me. He was a very special friend who will be in my heart forever. I will hold my cherished memories close to my heart. He was a great friend. I'm glad I was able to visit him last Friday. Darla

  • Newport
  • MN

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