Matthew J. Atkinson, 91, beloved husband of the late Nancy of 56 years; loving father of Leslie (John) Zurzolo of Park Ridge, IL, Matthew (Elaine) of Pembroke, NH, and Julie (the late William) Freitag of Elk Grove Village, IL. Dear grandfather of Jennifer (Michael) De Meyer, Christina (Daniel) and Eric Freitag. Preceded in death by his parents, Mathew and Mary Atkinson, his brother Joe and sisters Sally, Mary, Rose, Margaret and Lauretta. Graduate of Lake Forest High School and the University of Illinois, earning a civil engineering degree. Proud US Navy veteran with service in the Pacific Theater during WWII and a member of American Legion Post 336. He served as an engineer for People's Gas in Chicago for 34 years. A dedicated member of Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish, Matthew served as an usher and volunteered for the Lutheran General Hospital Meals on Wheels program for 10 years. Matthew enjoyed the outdoors, especially playing golf, gardening and sailing. He will be missed by many. Visitation will be Thursday, June 26 from 4-8pm at Nelson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 10:00am at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church, Park Ridge. Interment St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations to Meals on Wheels or Special Olympics would be appreciated.