Matthew A. Shugars

Matthew Alan Shugars, 51, died January 20, 2026 in his West Reading residence.

Born April 30, 1974, in Reading, he was a son of Robert F. and Christine S. (Dziki) Shugars of Muhlenberg Township.

A 1992 graduate of Muhlenberg High School, Matthew also attended Penn State University and Lebanon Valley College.

He was employed as a police officer for 32 years, retiring in 2025 from Cumru Township Police Department. His other places of employment include DEA in Allentown, where he worked for six years; and part-time with Laureldale, Mohnton, and Birdsboro police departments. He was also assigned to the Berks County Major Crime Task Force and Berks County Narcotics Team.

Matthew was honored with the Gallantry Star Medal for his distinguished act of bravery in the apprehension of a dangerous individual who posed a threat to the community. He was also recognized for safely locating a citizen with Alzheimer's disease who had wandered off. He truly loved what he did, and it showed.

A player of basketball, football, and baseball, Matthew was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year at Muhlenberg High School. He was the junior high football coach for Wilson School District for 4 years; and was proud to say his team won the junior high championship game.

Matthew enjoyed restoring failing plants and unique recycling of furniture.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, is his brother, Nathan L. Shugars; his aunt and Godmother, Cynthia A. Snyder, and her son, Christopher Lambi.

Matthew was preceded in death by his uncle and Godfather, Joseph E. Dziki, Jr.

A Prayer Service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A visitation will be held from 10-11. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFunerealHomes.com.