Matthew Joseph Taborski Sr.

Matthew Joseph Taborski Sr. died peacefully in his sleep Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at his home in Reno, Nev. He was 84. He was born in Calumet City, Ill. Sept. 12, 1923, to Polish immigrants Karol and Sophie Taborski.

During the first half of his career, Matt, a devoted father, grandfather and loving husband, worked in the restaurant and bar business, which complemented his outgoing personality, hearty laugh and warm smile. In 1959, while living in Reno, he married the former Sandy Bader of Meadow Valley. The couple moved to Quincy in 1964 and Matt became the manager of the Happy Hollow Tavern ("The Sump") in the basement of the Quincy Hotel. In 1966, he and "Red" Logan became business partners and hired contractors to build them a facility they named The Patio, which immediately became a popular dinner house and lounge in East Quincy (now the Elks Lodge). Ready for a career change, the couple sold The Patio in 1971, and eventually moved to Paso Robles, where they owned and operated two travel agencies; taking full advantage of the many travel perks the industry afforded its travel agents. In 2000, after traveling much of the world, they were ready for retirement and they sold the agencies and returned to Reno.

Matt served his country as a corporal in the United States Marines. He was an avid cribbage player and, in his early years, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf. He also had a love for music and began collecting albums in the early 1950s. In a short time, his collection eventually grew to well over 2,000 titles featuring virtually every artist of that era. Matt will also be remembered by many as a master of the barbecue who thoroughly enjoyed sharing his grilling and culinary skills with frequent backyard gatherings of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Walt and sister Helen. He is survived by Sandy, his wife and best friend for 48 years; sons Karl of Paso Robles, Matthew Jr. and Michael of Quincy, John, of Taylorsville, Robert, of Eureka and daughter Kathy Jacobs of Reno. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. At his request, there will not be any services.

Original article