Matthew Joseph Papka

1937 - 2024

Matthew Joseph (Matty) Papka, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, found peace with the Lord on March 5, 2024, in Bluffton, S.C. where he has resided since 2001.

Matthew was born June 23, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and was the youngest child to the late Joseph and Catherine Papka. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Father Joseph Papka (Pa.).

Matthew married the love of his life, Irene, on Dec. 26, 1959. Together they shared a life filled with love, devotion and many cherished memories. Matthew is survived by Irene, his "biggest cheerleader" and loving wife of 65 years; sister, Bernadine Bednar, of Dallas, Pa.; daughter, Lori Pezak (son-in law Joseph), of St. Augustine, Fla.; son, Matthew (Mattman II) J. Papka Jr. (daughter-in-law Elena), of Hilton Head, S.C.; daughter, Tricia Michael (son-in-law Chad) of Bluffton, S.C. Matthew has adored and enjoyed his grandchildren, Justin (Kristal), Tyler (Ranae), Dylan (Delanie), Taylor, Camryn and Nicholas; and great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Aurora, Ceci and Rex.

Before moving to Bluffton in 2001, Matthew went to Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He loved playing basketball and was the captain of the basketball team, where enjoyed watching his favorite cheerleader, Irene, on the sidelines. Matthew also graduated from King's College with honors, and played basketball there as well.

In his professional career, Matthew worked as a seventh and eighth grade teacher in Glen Burnie, Md. He also worked for RCA/Harris Semiconductor in Mountain Top, Pa., as a senior buyer, up until his retirement. Matthew was voted Wright Township tax collector, in which capacity he served his community faithfully for many years.

Matthew also served his church, St. Jude's Catholic Church, Mountain Top, Pa., as a fourth degree Knight of Columbus (given the title as toastmaster). He was known to many as "the king of instant bingo," where he was the main announcer for the St. Jude's Bazaar, and helped to organize the fundraising event for many years. He joined St. Gregory the Great Catholic church when he moved to Bluffton in 2001.

Matthew's favorite moments were having big laughs with his family and crabbing at Solomon's Island, Md., and he made some of the best memories at Ocean City, Md. He so enjoyed Irene's cooking and golfing, he adored dogs — especially his two schnauzers, Fritzy and Max — and delighted in watching his granddaughters play basketball for John Paul II Catholic school.

Matthew cherished every opportunity to be together with his loved ones, and was always the one that would tear up when making a toast, by telling everyone how much he cared and was proud of them and always finished with a classic "Na zdrowie!"

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, in St. Gregory the Great Church, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton, S.C.