Matthew Giblin Russell was born January 27, 1989 with beautiful crystal blue eyes and a strong hairline that thankfully lasted throughout his life. His mother, Mary Giblin welcomed him with excitement and unconditional love.
Growing up Matt looked up to older brother John Maher. He protected and adored younger sister Amanda Crost and later loved her husband David, like a brother. Sharing everything from bunk beds to family adventures with brother “PJ” Patrick Russell &0 (Emmalee Thompson). Emma was like having another sister and he enjoyed her friendship and cooking. Matt was happy to recently discover a half brother and found a friendship with Zachary Schoettle.
His greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter Katalina Campos that he shares with Crystal Campos. Together they have been so proud of her talent in art and sports, her beauty and intelligence.
Being self-motivated, Matthew acquired his CDL, finished heavy equipment school, welding classes and was always working on new certifications. Matt was an extremely hard worker and was a proud union man. Local 152.
Grandmother’s Dorothy Giblin and Maryanne Shaughnessy will miss Matt as he loved them very much.
Childhood memories include spending time with Aunt Charmaine Giblin ( Gary Srutowski) Movie nights fostered his love of movies. Aunt Diane Gray ( Christopher Wright) enjoying family celebrations & cookouts at which gossiping was a staple.
Uncle Brian Russell can look back at sporting events with the nephews. Matt was a south side sports fan, loving the White Sox and Bears the most.
Uncle Charles Giblin liked working together on occasion and bonded while traveling for work.
Matt was definitely the fun Uncle that loved having time with the many nieces and nephews for trick or treating, school events, family get togethers, fishing or camping. He was the type that would toss a kid in the pool and laugh but they still wanted to go swimming with him.
Matt was a genuine friend, loyal and could make you laugh, even at yourself with his quick wit, excellent delivery and giggle that was contagious. Some of Matt’s lifelong best friends were his siblings and cousins that he loved with all his heart. Since a toddler, family is where his heart was. Matt was an adventure seeker, lover of music, palm trees, loved seeing new places, history, good food, mythology, Chihuahua’s, truth seeking, (especially secrets) . Kids and animals loved him. Matt was a comedian, a protector, helper and a genuine fun soul.
On September 17, 2024 Matthew was greeted in heaven by many, many friends, his grandfather’s; Charles Giblin and Robert Russell, his Aunt Dawn (Sissy) Russell and Uncle (Bobby) Robert Russell. We are certain that his many pets were there to greet him as well.
We feel Matthew will be a powerful guardian angel and will greet us when we arrive with open arms. Untill then we will keep an eye on Daisy the Chihuahua, ( DaDa’s girl).
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 2-8pm (CST) at M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox, IN. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10am (CST) at St. Thomas Aquinos Catholic Church in Knox, IN. Interment will follow at Oak Park Cemetery.