Matthew J. Grigas, 76, of Rockford, a breeder of championship hunting dogs, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 10, 2018, surrounded by loving family.

Matthew is survived by his loving wife, Donna L. (Dow) Grigas; two sons, Matthew J. Grigas, III, of Willard, Ohio, and John M. Grigas and his wife Linda of Holden; a daughter, Donna M. Grigas (Leach) of Cotuit; two step-daughters, Tracy C. Harrity and her husband James of North Hampton, and Cynthia A. Turner of Burlington, CT; four grandchildren, Michael Grigas, Mark Grigas, Tyler Leach, and Nichole Leach,two great grandchildren, Jett and Aston; two step-grandchildren, Simon and Macklin; and his former wife, Beverly (Klund) Giardini and her husband Ralph of Cotuit. Matthew was born in Boston, son of the late Matthew J. and Joan (Savino) Grigas; and grew up in Stoughton, later graduating from Stoughton High School, later attending Northeastern University.

Matthew lived an active and full life. He worked for many years as a transportation manager and Vice President of Distribution for Quinn Transportation, before his retirement. Not being one to relax, he then took a job at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Brighton, where he worked as a courier for laboratory services; it was a career change that was quite fortuitous, because Saint Elizabeth is where he met his loving wife, Donna. Matthew and Donna live for many years in North Oxford, before moving to Williamstown, Vermont, and to Rockford, just a short time ago.

No matter where Matthew lived he made time for his family, friends, and his beloved hunting dogs. He made sure to attend all sporting events of his children and later his grandchildren, he never forgot a birthday and will be remembered as someone who took the time to find the proper birthday card, one with meaning, one with love. He was more than family, he was a friend to all.

Matthew loved the outdoors, where he could spend hours hunting and fishing. He most enjoyed coon hunting and was a championship breeder and trainer of hunting dogs. He loved all New England sports and going to NASCAR races with his family.

A rememberence ceremony will be held in his honor Saturday, June 16, 2018, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Honquest Family Funeral Home 4311 N. Mulford Rd Loves Park, Il 61111