Matthew "Matt" J. Erb

Matthew (Matt) John Erb, 49, Rockford, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2020, taking with him the love of all his family.

Matt was born on January 15, 1971, in Cleveland, Ohio to Roger and Joyce (Muldowney) Erb. He moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1974 where he remained a lifelong resident. On June 17, 2000, he married Pamela Borgens in Rockford.

At a young age, Matt developed hobbies that became his passions his whole life. He loved animals and the outside world: camping, fishing, dogs, cats, birds, bees, snapping turtles. And he would sketch with great detail and skill the things that fascinated him the most. He had worked outdoors in patio hardscaping and stonework by trade.

He loved music and played several instruments; he was a drummer throughout his life, self-taught on a homemade drum kit of Tupperware. His favorite band was Tesla (whom he saw live too many times to count and even named his cat after them), and he had an appreciation for all different genres of music.

There was no bigger Kansas City Chiefs fan than Matt Erb, and this year’s Superbowl Sunday was a sweet victory he waited for his whole life.

Matt had a love and softness for his family and friends. He saw the world differently, had a quick wit, and always made those around him laugh. He was a kid at heart, and kids loved him. Most of all, Matt’s biggest soft spot was for his daughter, Tara, who melted his heart from the day she was born.

Matt is survived by wife, Pamela Erb; daughter, Tara Erb; stepsons, Nathan O’Leary, Jeremy O’Leary, Patrick (Taffee Johnson) O’Leary; his mother, Joyce Erb; sister, Genevieve (Jason Lewis) Erb; brother, John Erb; mother-in-law, Florence Pryor; nieces and nephews, Ila Lewis, Elizanne Lewis, April Ellingston, Layla Borgens, Aaron Borgens, Matthew Borgens, Brandon Borgens; grandchildren, Brendan Hartman, Noah O’Leary, John Patrick (JP) O’Leary; brother-in-law, Gary Borgens; and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him.

He is preceded in death by father, Roger Erb; grandparents, John and Hulda Erb, Glenn and Bernadette Muldowney; father-in-law, Thomas Pryor; brother-in-law, Steve Borgens; and too many beloved uncles, aunt, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. followed by a service from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home at 1860 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 with Father William Wentink to officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald’s Funeral Home at (815) 226-2273, please submit online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com