Adolph P. "Gundi" Matys Jr.

Adolph P. "Gundi" Matys Jr. obituary, Holyoke, MA

Adolph P. "Gundi" Matys Jr.

Adolph Matys Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 8, 2016.
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

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November 13, 2016

Dan Wroth posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2016

Warmly, posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2016

Sue Meunier posted to the memorial.

Dan Wroth

November 13, 2016

Dear Kathy and family, So sorry for your loss, Gundi was a once in a lifetime treasure. My dad will miss him and his friendship. Peace and love Dan Wroth

Warmly,

November 12, 2016

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Sue Meunier

November 12, 2016

Kevin,Wendy and family,
Sorry for your loss. May tears soon turn into happy memories.
Warmly,

Lenny Boisjolie

November 12, 2016

Condolences to you and your family Dave. Your dad was a great man to work with.

Czupkiewicz Family

November 11, 2016

Our deepest sympathy.....

Paul Czupkiewicz

November 11, 2016

Our deepest sympathy... From the Czupkiewicz Family.......

November 11, 2016

I will always carry many wonderful memories of Gundi in my heart. I worked at the Weldon Center years ago and met Gundi from the Adult Day Care there. He always brought a smile to my face with his jokes as well as words of wisdom from his strong belief in God. His family is in my prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Jan Smith

Mary Kirton

November 10, 2016

Mrs. Matys, Maureen, Bill, Jamie, Megan and all your family, we were so sad to hear of 'Gundi''s passing. Sending love and prayers for you all, we miss you so much, love Todd and Mary and the kids

November 10, 2016

Dear Kathy and family
I am so so sorry to hear of the passing of Gundi. I have great memories of the times we spent together. Love and Peace
Ellen Monaghan Higgins

Mercy Adult Day Health

November 10, 2016

He will be dearly missed by all of us at Mercy Adult Day Health. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.

Frank Olbrych

November 10, 2016

Gundi,I'll always remember our football days at Chicopee High. Especially the time when a player from Holyoke was running, but we got him, you from the bottom and I from the top. This is just one of the GREAT memories I'll always treasure. We were undefeated!!Love & Prayers always Frank Olbrych

Gailrose Baldwin

November 10, 2016

Sending Hugs from Colorado to you all, He was indeed a light shinning ... peace to him now.

Linda & Kenney Zych

November 10, 2016

To all the Matys Family thoughts and prayers go out to all of you,
God Bless!!

Jill Gagne

November 10, 2016

Dear Dave, Karen, Marikate and Rachel,
Deepest sympathy at this time of loss. Your Dad and grandfather was such a good friend of my Dad and so supportive of him. Very grateful to know this great Holyoke firefighter. May he rest in peace.
Fondly Joe and Jill (Golden) Gagne

Maryb Osullivan

November 10, 2016

Maureen and family so sorry for your lost you were all so deciated to your dad. Remember the good times and her silly jokes

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Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home

2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

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Sign Adolph Matys's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 13, 2016

Dan Wroth posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2016

Warmly, posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2016

Sue Meunier posted to the memorial.