Matthias Leo Hynes

Matthias Leo Hynes passed away Tuesday, November 12th at the age of 94.

Matt was born on October 11, 1925 in Chicago Illinois, the oldest of 4 children to Frank Hynes and Colette Mattern.  He is survived by his sons, Peter and Mark, granddaughters, Nicole and Greta, and great grandaugher Kaiden.

When Matt was 10 years old his family moved to Crete Ill. and around the age of 14 he met NormaJean Petersen, the love of his life. Matt and Normajean dated in high school and were married in 1948.  After graduating from Crete High School he joined the Navy in 1944 and became a member of the U.S. Navy Band in 1949. While a member of the Navy Band he wrote the drum cadence for John F. Kennedy's funeral procession and all the music performed by the Navy Band at his burial site in Arlington National Cemetery.  Matt retired from the Navy Band in 1964 as a Senior Chief Arranger and Composer.

He then earned his Masters in Music Education from Catholic University and went on to work first as Choir Director then as Director of Bands at Fairfax High School, Fairfax Virginia, touching and inspiring many lives in the 17 years he taught and conducted.

Matt and Normajean were avid sailors spending their first 7 years of retirement living aboard their sailboat, Allegro.  They moved to southern Florida in the late 80's and remained there enjoying retirement.  Matt and NormaJean enjoyed a loving marriage of 71 years.  Normajean passed away in August of this year.

Matt's memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm Thursday, Nov. 21st at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 w Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton Fl 33486.

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