CHICAGO — A beloved musician who played local joints around Chicago during his career died between live karaoke sets at a Lakeview music club early Monday.
Matthew Richko, 41, was pronounced dead at Monsignor Murphy's, 3019 N. Broadway at 12:21 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.
"It's a big loss and a big farewell," said Paul Loaiza, owner of Monsignor Murphy's, where Richko performed every Sunday. "People really looked forward to being able to play and sing with him."
Richko seemed his lively self when he began playing around 10 p.m. Sunday, but complained of chest problems after taking a short break around midnight, Loaiza said.
"He was in great spirits. He probably played seven or eight songs before he took the break. There was no hint of anything wrong," Loaiza said.
Richko emerged from a bathroom complaining of pain, and five to 10 seconds later, he slumped to the ground, Loaiza said.
"He fell down to the ground and was having difficulty breathing. The paramedics arrived in about 20 minutes," he said.
A bartender followed Richko to St. Joseph Hospital as Loaiza contacted his family. He was told rescuers tried to revive Richko three times, Loaiza said.
Richko died of aortic dissection, hypertensive cardiovascular disease and obesity, autopsy results showed.
Richko had returned to performing at the club after spending about four years performing in Las Vegas, Loaiza said.
Richko's biography on his music page pegs him as a singer, guitarist and bandleader who spent the last 20 years in Chicago, his hometown. Richko also worked on commercial jingles, according to the page.
Richko studied music theory and composition at Roosevelt University and studied under jazz guitarist Frank Rumoro at the Rumoro Guitar Academy, the music page stated.
Loaiza is planning a memorial for the musician, he said.
"I really respect my performers and musicians. It's the only way for me to show how much I appreciate him," he said.
Richko, of the 3900 block of North Richmond Street, is the son of legendary Jazz bassist Angelo Ricco, according to his biography.
Ricco played an Italian singer in the movie "Return to Me," according to IMDB.
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