Matthew Drabek passed away tragically on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Matt was born in Palos Heights, IL to Jim and Linda Drabek on November 26, 1977. Matt served 23 years in the Air Force as a 2W271 Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Technician. After retirement he was the Logistics Manager for ASRC on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Everyone knew Matt as Ammo, Nuke Coder, MSgt Drabek or just Matt. Matt was kind-hearted, loving, and a man who wrote his own rules. He lived his life to the fullest. Matt would never shy away from what he believed in and always knew what to say or do in any situation.
In 2015, Matt married the love of his life Tasha, and together they built their blended family with a foundation full of love, laughter, and countless PCS moves. If you had the pleasure of being around them, you would most likely hear Tasha teasing him about something. She always had a way to make Matt smile. These memories will forever be etched into Tasha’s life. Matt was more than just a devoted father to Paige, Tristan, and Bri, he was a man who stepped up when others did not.
Matt never had what they called a mundane life, he was actively involved in the world around him. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, always riding his bike to and from places. If you think of Matt, you must include his 2017 Harley-Davidson in your vision. It was not him without it. His love of riding brought him into another family, the Boozefighters MC. Matt loved his brothers and sisters of the club, a second family that he always talked about and saw every weekend. But Matt did not just love his motorcycle, Matt always was an extraordinarily talented musician. You could often hear him up in his man-cave playing a random tune or playing a song that came into his mind.
Tristan, or Chowdah as you might have known, learned many things from him; one of them being how to play guitar! Matt was a bit jealous that Tristan could listen to a tune once or twice and immediately play it over and over. The two of them, in separate rooms, playing the guitar, was like a concert in one big house. A father’s love goes deep, but it is deeper when you come into the picture later down the line. Tristan has the fondest memories of him such as riding on the bike with him, learning the guitar, watching Rick and Morty, going to the Boozefighter events and playing video games together.
Paige, would spend time with Matt, Tasha, Bri, and Tristan in the summer. Matt was always excited to see her get off the plane. Motorcycle rides, going to the beach, and swimming in the pool were a must. Paige recently graduated from high school and Matt could not be prouder.
Bri, the oldest of all of them, was the one that put Matt through the ringer when it came to entering a teenager’s life. He may be hard-headed, but Bri knew how to match that, and did it well. But Matt always showed up, even on the days she did not want him to. She remembers during her basketball games and looking into the crowd, he was there cheering her on. Driving across the city to and from games when no one else could. When she had a problem, she knew Matt had an answer. That is how she wants everyone to remember him. That Matt always had an answer. The night she was unsure about re-enlisting into the Navy, he listened to her talk and walked her through every fear she had.
Matt is survived by his parents, Jim and Linda Drabek; wife, Tasha Drabek; children, Paige, Bri, and Tristan; siblings, Tim (Dana) Drabek, Lindsey Drabek; his Boozefighter Family, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.