Obituaries
2
trees
planted in memory of Matthew A. Leali
Obituary for Matthew A. Leali
Matthew Alexander Leali, age 37, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at his residence.
Matt was born in Chicago, IL on September 26th, 1985 to Karen Marie Leali and Michael Edward Leali.
He is survived by his parents, his grandmother Shirley A. Klaczynski, his sister Katrina Rose Leali, her children Remington and River Joesting and his brother Dominick Christian Leali. Matthew has over 60 close relatives.
Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents T. Colleen Leali, Edward G. Leali and Donald S. Klaczynski.
Matthew’s life was storied. He learned to play chess before the age of 6 and went on to win 2nd place in the Nation in Kindergarten, 1st place in the Illinois State Chess Championships for grades 2nd through 7th. He also won the U.S. Open for Juniors. He attended St. Thomas, Father Sweeney, Notre Dame High School and received his bachelors at St. Louis University and Masters in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. Matt went on to serve the public in the Manhattan Center for Court Innovation, Pre-Trial Services, Community Associate and Onboarding and Recruitment Specialist for the New York District Attorney’s Office. Matthew was offered and joined Merrill/Bank of America on the Leali Team as a Financial Advisor and has served clients nationwide. He is a member of the Greater Peoria Chess Federation, a graduate of CLS Community Leadership, and a volunteer and supporter of both Almost Home Kids and OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Matt has braved deep-water fishing in storms, flown over the Grand Canyon, raced a Ferrari (this year) and has entertained a wide range of friends with his personal brand of comedy and wit. His stage and public exploits pale in comparison to his friendship with all of you. He is loved by many and will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 5-7 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 10, 2022 also at St. Thomas with at 10:00 AM, with a half hour prior visitation. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate and burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Almost Home Kids or the OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
9
Dec
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Visitation
Saturday
10
Dec
9:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Funeral Mass
Saturday
10
Dec
10:00 AM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
904 E Lake Ave
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Cemetery Details
Location
Swan Lake Memory Gardens
4601 Route 150
Peoria, IL 61615
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