Rev. Ronald G. Matulewicz

Matulewicz, Rev. Ronald G.
CLIFTON PARK - Rev. Ronald G. Matulewicz, age 91, passed away, Monday, August 12, 2024. Father Ron, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Schenectady to the late Charles and Sophie Koral Matulewicz. Fr. Matulewicz was ordained a priest in the Albany Catholic Diocese, May 23, 1959. He had assignments with the Albany Catholic Diocese that included; assistant at St. Joseph's, Albany (1959-1961), assistant at St. Michael's, Cohoes (1961), assistant at St. Anthony's, Johnstown and teacher at Bishop Burke (1961-1971), assistant at St. Alphonsus, Glens Falls (1971-1972), pastor, St. Anthony's, Herkimer (1972-1986), pastor at Our Lady of Grace, Ballston Lake (1986-1989), chaplain at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany (1989-1993), pastor, St. Stephen's, Hagaman and St. Mary's, Galway (1993-2008)
He retired in 2008. During his retirement, he celebrated Mass at various parishes in the Capital District. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, gardening and painting. He always made a point to visit the sick and the elderly. Fr. Ron liked antiques. He was frugal but would buy things for others, but not himself. He enjoyed growing vegetables, especially garlic. He liked teaching people to listen and learn. While in Glenville he grew 200 garlic and when he moved in with his nephew, Stan, his garden grew to 6,000 garlic. He enjoyed picking the garden and giving vegetables to his friends and family. He enjoyed sewing and painting. He could do almost anything and wasn't to humble to let you know it. He could be a bit of a joker. He loved Poland and all Polish people that he met and their food. His time with family was most special to him. His mother was his favorite and he was hers. He cared deeply about his friends and their families and would help in any way he could, and his friends reciprocated; for example, the loving care of his friends, Nora and Doug Bennett who cooked homemade meals for him and loved him until the second he passed away. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He also enjoyed going to Uncle Ben's Tavern, in Schenectady, with his nephew, Stan. They frequently went on Fridays, which Fr. Ron enjoyed. He made many friends there and maintained those friendships until his passing. Lastly, he really loved eclairs and sweets. He will be thought about eternally by all.
Fr. Ron was predeceased by two sisters, Eileen Dennebaum and Dolores DuCharme. He is survived by one niece, Cherylanne DuCharme; two nephews, Stanley DuCharme and Ronald C. DuCharme; great niece, Shannon (Dan) Cath; and great-great-nephew, Shane Cath.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Fr. Ron's Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated, Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna. Calling hours will be Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home. Burial will follow the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.
Special thanks to Nora and Doug Bennett for the exceptional care they provided for Father over the last few years and to Community Hospice, especially, Dr. John Pezzulo and Mitchell Forshey, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.