Matthew Jeremy McCullough

In Loving Memory of Matthew Jeremy McCullough

“Loved Deeply, Lived Fully, Forever Free” – by George McCullough

Matthew Jeremy McCullough, age 32, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was born in Chicago to George and Amanda McCullough and grew up surrounded by family, love, music, and the people who meant the most to him. He graduated from Maine East High School with the Class of 2011 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2015.

Matthew did not move through life quietly. He lived with the music up, the engine running, the gym bag packed, and his heart wide open. He loved fast cars, music festivals, fitness, family, friends, and every moment that made him feel alive and free. He believed, “We only have one life, live it to the fullest,” and his spirit reflected that in everything he did.

To know Matthew was to know his energy. He could fill a room with laughter, turn an ordinary day into a memory, and make the people around him feel protected, included, and loved. When Matthew loved, he loved deeply and without hesitation. He was caring, generous, loyal, thoughtful, and unwaveringly devoted to the people in his life.

Music was one of Matthew’s great loves. Growing up, he saw through his parents how music could bring people together — at home, on family vacations, and at concerts and festivals. For Matthew, music was more than sound; it was connection, freedom, joy, and a way to create memories that would last forever.

Matthew also had a passion for fitness. From a young age, he dedicated himself to building strength, discipline, and confidence. He worked hard, pushed himself, and took pride in what he built. And, of course, he became known for his unforgettable sense of humor — including his “magical shirt,” the one that seemed to disappear whenever there was music playing, when he was at the beach, driving his car, or simply spending time with friends.

Above all else, Matthew cherished the people in his life. He is survived by his beloved parents, George and Amanda McCullough; his loving siblings, Krissy, Jackie, and Jacob; his nieces and nephew, Alissa, Kali, and KJ (Keith), to whom he was a generous and fun uncle; and his treasured Godparents, Kim and Oscar Montesinos. He is also survived by his faithful Goldendoodle, Butter; his dear aunts and uncles, Beatrice “BB” and Charles May, Dorese McCullough, Cam McCullough, Dave and Lena Patel, and Andy Patel; his cherished cousins, Kiana, Maurice, Shamira, Cammy, Gabriel, Simi, Micah, Rikesh, Simron, Jasmine, Reeya, Christian, and Karla; and countless friends who became family.

Matthew’s time here was far too short, but the way he lived left an impact that cannot be measured in years. He gave people memories they will carry forever — his smile, his laugh, his loyalty, his humor, his compassion, his confidence, and his fearless way of being exactly who he was.

Matthew was love. Matthew was laughter. Matthew was music, movement, strength, mischief, loyalty, freedom, and light.

Though he is no longer by our side, his spirit remains with us — in every song that brings people together, every laugh that breaks through sadness, every open road, every memory, and every reminder to live fully while we are here.

Matthew will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered every day. His life reminds us to love harder, laugh louder, hold each other closer, and live — truly live — the way he so beautifully did.

The following dedications were written with love by Matthew’s mother and sisters. Through their words, they honor not only the depth of their loss, but also the joy, laughter, light, and love Matthew brought into their lives. May these reflections offer comfort and serve as a reminder of the beautiful bond they will forever share with him.

From Mom:

“My Matthew — Gym Shoe”

My Matthew, who lived his life every second at full throttle — I nicknamed him Gym Shoe. I caught myself saying it millions of times over the years: “Slow down, Gym Shoe!”   at the age of 13 While I would a sleep, he would whisper in my ear  S2K, S2K,S2K. In my response would be boy get a license get a license get a license.

Now my son, he is racing with the angels in his S2K. And knowing my baby, he won’t stop racing until he crosses that finish line. Matthew, I know in my heart you are crossing that finish line — because of how much you loved freely, and loved hard, to every single person around you. Everyone felt your love.

My loving Matthew, who lived fast, played hardest, you danced like no one was watching you!(expressing yourself purely for your own joy, without fear of judgment, criticism, or what others might think of you).  And most of all you left your mom way too soon.

Matthew, I know in my heart you won your race with the angels and crossed the finish line at Heaven’s Gate and dancing like no one is watching you!

I love you so much, my son!

Until we meet again.

And because Matthew loved so deeply, his family also honors the friends who became family to him. Matthew was especially grateful for the brotherhood he shared with Aldin, Vas, Ayo, Nihal, Ashour, Luis, Woo, Kyung, Louie, Roman, Abiola, Amen, Giuseppe “Joe”, and Mustafa.

He also shared a special bond with his “big sister” Cash, who lovingly remembered, “Babysitting you growing up and hanging out with you. I love you, kid. I’ll see you again.”

From Krissy and KJ (Nutmeg):

“Your Song Still Plays”

I thought of you today, Matthew, Just like I do each day. Not because the memories faded, But because they never went away. 

You danced through life with joy and grace, A smile that lit each room. Where music played, your spirit soared and chased away the gloom.

Though I can no longer see you dance, I still feel your rhythm near. In every song, in every beat, Your presence lingers here. 

I carry you within my heart, A place where you’ll remain. Through every laugh, through every tear, through sunshine and through rain.

No matter where this life may lead, Or what the years may bring, Your love  will walk beside me still, your memory will sing.

So rest in peace, my brother dear, Your soul is finally free.

And when the music starts again, save one dance in Heaven for me. 

Matt, oh how I miss your smile little brother. 

Forever remembered. Forever loved. Forever dancing. 

We love you so much.

From Jackie:

Matt, I love you deeply. It’s been an honor to be your sister. I will never forget your smile, your laughter, and the joy you brought to every room. Though my heart aches from missing you, I am grateful for every memory we shared. You will always be a part of me, and I will carry your love in my heart forever. Save me a dance in heaven little brother, until we meet again.  I love you.

In Matthew’s memory, memorial donations may be made to Red Door Animal Shelter. Please use the hyperlink below to be taken directly to the donation page. When making your donation, kindly include Matthew’s name in the donation notes so your gift may be made in his honor.  

Red Door Animal Shelter

2410 W. Lunt Street

Chicago, Illinois 60645

Phone: 773-764-2242

Email: info@reddoorshelter.org

Website: www.reddoorshelter.org/

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