Wayne Matthias, 68, who drove a delivery truck for the Chicago Tribune for 47 years, died Thursday of leukemia in Northwestern Memorial Hospital. A native Chicagoan who grew up in the Portage Park neighborhood, Mr. Matthias started delivering newspapers for the Herald-American when he was 10 years old. Five years later, he joined the Tribune as a newspaper-delivery helper before becoming a full-time driver in 1948. At the Tribune, Mr. Matthias was affectionately known as “Tubba” after he packed a few extra pounds onto his 6-foot, 3-inch frame. He retired in 1995. “He was a fine gentleman,” said Chester Kain, distribution planner for the Tribune’s circulation department. “He did a fine job here as a driver and for a long time. I don’t think we’re going to see many more of those.” Said Mr. Matthias’ wife, Geraldine: “He was a good man and friend. He will be missed. What was nice about him was that he never complained.” Even after it was discovered he had throat cancer a few years ago, Mr. Matthias still went to work and never complained, his wife said. Other survivors include a daughter, Valerie Shaw; a son, Russel; and a grandson. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday in Drake & Sons Funeral Home, 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge. Services will be held at noon Tuesday in the funeral home.
