Mathew J. D'Souza

Mathew J. D’Souza, 29, peacefully passed away on August 21, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones after a resilient, 7-year battle with leukemia. Matt was an extremely passionate, tenacious, and focused young man who inspired everyone around him. He constantly proved that life has no limits.  Matt made fruitful and lasting impacts on many lives through which his legacy will live on.

He is survived by his father and mother, Stan & Juliana D’Souza; his two older brothers, Christopher & Patrick D’Souza; his two sisters in-law, Rashvinda Kaur & Maricarmen Escareno; baby nephew Alexander Mathew D’Souza. Additionally, Matt is survived by many of his dearest and closest family of friends: Rose Mancini, Jim, John, Catie, & Matthew Alviti; Sam Chwarzynski; Jim & Suzette Roppel; Frank, Cathleen, Frankie, & Rocco Marchiori; Mike & Debbie Stoltzner; and Eddie Sikazwe among many, many others.

Matt came from humble beginnings. At the age of 12, Matt began caddying at the Park Ridge Country Club.  He went on to be awarded the Evans Scholarship to the University of Illinois in 2008.  The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing scholarship for high-achieving caddies who embody a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need, and outstanding character - all qualities Matt possessed.

In 2012, Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (with Honors) from the University of Illinois. In 2013, he began his Master of Accounting Science. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia in late 2013. Despite many medical hurdles, intense treatments, and long recovery periods, Matt was able to achieve remarkable accomplishments in a short amount of time.  Not limited to but including:

• Master of Accounting Science, 2014
• Passed CPA Exam 2015 and subsequently licensed
• Co-Founder, Blockchain Opportunity Fund LLC, 2017
• Co-Founder & CEO, Blockware Solutions LLC, 2017
• Co-Founder & CEO, Blockware Mining LLC, 2019

Matt was living and breathing proof that the only limits that exist are the limits in one’s own mind. The following quotes trigger thoughts of Matt by his closest family and friends:

• My time is my most important asset. - Matt D’Souza
• When you give people your time and physically show up for people they will show up for you. Never make an excuse to not show up for the people you care about. - Matt D’Souza
• When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor. -Elon Musk
• Don’t wait for the right opportunity: Create it. -George Bernard Shaw
• Your limitation—it’s only your imagination. -Unknown
• Great things never come from comfort zones. -Anonymous
• Success doesn’t just find you. You have to go out and get it. -Unknown
• The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it. -Anonymous

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 28, from 3pm to 8pm at Cooney Funeral Home located at 625 Busse Highway in Park Ridge. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30am at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish, 920 W. Granville, Park Ridge. Please register to attend the Memorial Service here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f4ca4a929a1f85-registration6

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, face masks and social distancing are required. A private burial will take place at a later date. For those who cannot attend the Memorial Service, there will be a live Facebook stream at https://www.facebook.com/cooneyfuneralhome/ A YouTube live stream can also be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MarySeat Once the Memorial Service has concluded, the live stream will also be available at https://www.cooneyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Mathew-DSouza

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Matt D’Souza to: ESF Honor/Memorial Donation Form

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