Carlo "Carl" Sam Matranga, 70, of Winnebago, passed away on August 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 21, 1956, in Rockford, the son of Cosmo and Antoinette (Caltagerone) Matranga. Carl graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, class of 1974. He married Linda Magnuson in 1978 at Holy Family Catholic Church, and together they shared a wonderful 48 years of marriage and were blessed with two children. He owned and operated Matranga Industries for 45+ years.

Carlo dedicated his faith as a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was active in the NRA and Ducks Unlimited. He had a passion for cooking, especially his Italian dishes and steaks. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, and Fox News. He was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He loved bringing family and friends together, often hosting gatherings where there was always plenty of good food and no one ever left hungry or without enjoying a glass of Dago Red Wine. He especially enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren, and you could always count on him to be in the stands, proudly watching and supporting them at their sporting events. Carlo and Linda never missed any of Mike’s football games at Missouri Valley College. His family was his greatest joy, and he treasured every opportunity to make memories with them. Carlo and Linda enjoyed vacationing to Mexico, South Dakota, and Lake of the Ozarks. He will be remembered as an honest and loyal man with a great sense of humor, a loud laugh, a big personality, and a heart full of love. He was spiritual, the life of every party, and someone whose presence could always be felt in a room. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving dad, proud Nanu, caring brother, and cherished friend. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, faith, and countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Nicole (Brian) Hayes and Michael (Jennifer Thompson) Matranga; grandchildren, Kinsey and Mia Hayes; brother, Larry (Pat) Matranga; sisters, Kathy Belcher and Polly (Paul) Happach; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers-in-law, Ron Belcher and Jeff Magnuson.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Serenity Home & Hospice in Oregon and UW Health for their wonderful care of Carlo.

A Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, IL 61102, with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date.