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(photo courtesy of Kelly Skowronski)

“I think the main thing about Matt is the fact that he literally was larger than life.”

Junior Brendan Ross, teammate and friend of Matt Skowronski, isn’t just referring to Skowronski’s 6-foot-8 stature, but also the smile he constantly wore on his face.

“Even when he made a mistake, he laughed it off and worked to get better,” Ross said. “I don’t remember ever once seeing him angry at someone or mad. He never spoke bad about anyone.”

Skowronski died suddenly on June 6, just days after completing his sophomore year at Naperville Central. Skowronski was diagnosed with an enlarged aorta in 6th grade which eventually led to his death.

Skowronski played varsity basketball and volleyball for Central in spite of his heart condition. Mother Kelly Skowronski recalls her son constantly shooting hoops in front of their house, even during the winter, and has enjoyed basketball since he was young.

Though volleyball was a more recent pursuit for Skowronski, he excelled at the sport and was selected as an all-conference player his sophomore year.

“Freshman year, Matt started playing volleyball and we saw something in him we had never seen,” Kelly said. “He loved it and he was so comfortable with it. Coach [Roger] Strausberger had told Matt that he had a future in volleyball and he was so happy about that.”

In addition to performing on the court, Skowronski’s teammates remember him dancing before games.

“Before all of our games this season, we’d play the song ‘Billie Jean’ especially for him and he’d break out all of his moves and it was great,” junior Nick Kramer said. “It really showed what a funny guy he was.”

While many people were aware of his athleticism, less knew about Skowronski’s artistic abilities. According to his mother, drawing was his favorite class and he was skilled in it as well.

“I remember walking into the art room to pick up some work, seeing one of Matt’s drawings, and being completely shocked,” senior Aidan Manzke said. “The level of detail, creativity and precision was something I doubt most people could create if they practiced every day.”

Over 3,000 people attended Skowronski’s wake held on June 10 at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home. The funeral was held at Saint Margaret Mary Parish on June 11 for family members and close friends.

Junior Michael Affatato wrote and recited a poem honoring Skowronski, and the legacy he has left behind. Affatato describes him as “six-foot-eight with a heart of gold.” Other passages include describing the gift Skowronski had for basketball and volleyball and the gentle-giant persona he carried with him.

“So gifted on the court, with a net or a rim. A gentle giant’s laugh. The brightest of smiles,” Affatato wrote.

Following Skowronski’s death, junior Matt Watson created a Twitter account dedicated to Skowronski which has gained over 800 followers. Watson also made “SKRONKSTRONG” wristbands to sell to friends, classmates and teammates of Skowronski for 4 dollars. Watson donated all of his proceeds to the Skowronski family.

“[My family and I] feel so blessed that everyone loved Matt as much as we did,” Kelly said. “We are grateful for all the love and support we have received.”

Many remember Skowronski for his smile and constant happy demeanor.

“Matt was always laid back and easygoing,” father Marc Skowronski said. “He had a smile on his face at all times. He was positive and looked at the bright side of things.”

Sophomore Stefene Skowronski admired her brother for his compassion.

“He was protective and always looked out for me,” Stefene said. “At registration my freshman year, he walked me around the entire school even though I knew he wanted to be with all of his friends.”

Younger sister Kaitlyn Skowronski said that she could always count on Matt and that he was her hero.

Junior Hari Mohandas remembers having difficulty making friends due to past bullying. Skowronski was one of the only people he talked to in middle school and in addition to becoming close friends, Skowronski also introduced Mohandas to other people.

“Not only did [Skowronski] help me get over my fear of talking to people, he didn’t judge me and helped me get the courage to make new friends,” Mohandas said. “In a bunch of our classes, he introduced me to others who I would have been too afraid to speak to at all and gave me so many new friendships that I probably never would have had otherwise.”

Many miss his charisma, while family members miss the little things that some may take for granted.

“I miss his beautiful smile, his big hugs [and] his kind words,” Kelly said.

Skowronski’s legacy has spanned beyond the halls of Central, with memories of a positive attitude and a proficient athlete that continue to inspire others.

“Matt inspired me so much to always have a smile on my face,” senior Jack Piper said. “Since we got really close during the season I really loved him as a friend, teammate, and brother.”

Despite the loss of a beloved son, brother, friend and teammate, Skowronski will continue to have a presence.

“Everyone who was lucky enough to have [Matt] in their life has been instilled with the kindness and the positivity that Matt had,” Manzke said, “and that is something that will stay with everyone for the remainder of their lives.”