Adolph P. "Gundi" Matys Jr.

HOLYOKE Adolph (Gundi) Matys, 82, died Tuesday, November 8th surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chicopee, MA on November 5, 1934 to the late Adolph and Bertha (Romaniak) Matys. He attended both Chicopee High School and Monson Academy where he played his favorite sport, football. In 2011 he was elected into the Chicopee Athletic Hall of Fame for football. Gundi spent his entire career as a Holyoke Firefighter, a job which he loved. He was an avid Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and extended family as they were always close by. Gundi was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church. Besides his wife of 61 years Kathryn (Hurst), he leaves his loving devoted sister Celia Matras and her late husband Stanley, sister-in-law Doris Matysiewicz, brother-in-law Francis Hurst and his wife Hermine, his daughter Maureen Brunelle and Bill Kelliher, his son Kevin Matys and his wife Wendy, his son Francis Matys and his wife Robin, his daughter Sue Rickard and her husband Michael, and his son David Matys and his wife Karen. He also leaves his grandchildren Jamie Brunelle and his wife Deidre, Megan Brunelle, Kate Rickard, Zachery Matys, Anna Arabian and her husband Eric, Laura Rickard, Marikate Matys, Rachel Matys, Aisling Kelliher, Kerianne MacPherson and her husband Sean. His great grandchildren: Abby, Parker, Ella, and Dean Brunelle. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister Daniel Matysuiewicz, Chester Matys, Rudolph Matysiewicz and Alice Peto. He was also predeceased by his beloved dog Sam. He also leaves behind the best friend anyone could have, Donald Wroth. Our Dad was a tremendous spirit who fought a courageous 28 year battle after suffering a debilitating stroke; he made the most of every day and thoroughly enjoyed life! The family would like to thank the many care givers over the years that provided wonderful care and comfort that allowed him to have a long and blessed life. Gundi loved to tell jokes to make others laugh. So what kind of coffee was served on the Titanic...? Sanka. And what kind of lettuce...? Iceberg. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, Nov. 12th at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will follow at Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Contributions in his memory may be sent to Mercy Adult Day Health of Westfield - Development Fund, 24 Clifton St. Westfield, MA 01085