Joseph Matika

Joseph Matika
Joseph Matika, 80, of 227 W. Hazard St., Summit Hill, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at his residence. He was the husband of Patricia (Leonzi) Matika. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past June.
Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Alex and Mary (Fristick) Matika.
He was a graduate of the former Summit Hill High School, Class of 1952.
Joseph worked for Mack Trucks as a Quality Control Engineer in Allentown and Macungie, retiring in 1987.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957 as a Radar Instructor and Staff Sgt.
He was a life member of the Summit Hill American Legion and a life member of Summit Hill Fire Company.
He was also a member of the St. Gabriel's Club of Summit Hill, the former St. Vincent DePaul Society and was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Summit Hill.
Joseph had the honor of serving as grand marshall in the Summit Hill Memorial Day Parade in 2009. He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, drawing and painting, and was an avid PA Lottery rub off player.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are five children, Honorable Joseph Matika, and his wife Jeanine, of Lehighton, Patti Jo Ebbert, and her husband, Neal, of Lehighton, Danny Matika, and his wife Val, of Summit Hill, Beth Turner, and her husband Tommy, of Summit Hill, and Jerry Matika, and his wife Meredith, of Lansford; 14 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter; his buddy, Patches at home; a sister, Mary O'Gorman of Kunkletown; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Kerscher and Delores; and a brother, Daniel.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at 11 a.m. ln St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Military interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, White Bear, Summit Hill. Calling hours are on Sunday from 5-8 p.m., and Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
Contributions in his name may be made to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Summit Hill; or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are being handled by the Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill. Online condolences may be signed at www.parambofh.com.