George F. Matta

1931 - 09

George Francis Matta, 83, of White Oak, formerly of Duquesne, died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, surrounded by his family at UPMC McKeesport. He was born Sept. 18, 1931, to the late John J. and Julia R. (Pavlovcsak) Matta. He was preceded in death by siblings, Margaret (Perla), Michael, John and William Matta; and to his loving daughter, Jodie Matta Dillinger. George passed onward with great love for his family and friends, and dedication to various civic, ethnic and fraternal organizations. George was a graduate of McKeesport High School, the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his B.S. in business administration, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he earned his master's in banking. George proudly served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Florence (Kelmeckis) Matta, to whom he was married for 59 loving years; his sons, George II and wife, Cathy, and Gary and wife, Rona; son-in-law, George Dillinger and fiancee, Cindy Pazehoski; and his grandchildren, Bradley, Logan and Keith Haselhoff, Brittany and Darin Kowalski, Tyler Dillinger, Langley, Devin, Jaquaun and Austin Matta. He is also loved by sisters-in-law, Carolyn Matta and Mildred Matta; and brother-in-law, Edward Kelmeckis and wife, Geraldine; along with nieces and nephews. George left this world touching the lives of so many through his tireless work in various community organizations in the Mon Valley. George served as the president of the Duquesne School Board, councilman to the city of Duquesne, chairman of the Duquesne Sanitary Authority and as a longtime Democratic committeeman in Duquesne. He also served as commander of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1559, chairman of the Steel Valley Planning Commission, chairman of the Steel Valley Council of Governments and was a member of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. He was honored as the Duquesne-West Mifflin Chamber of Commerce Man-of-the Year. George retired from Mellon Bank as the vice president, where he was served as branch manager to the Homestead, Duquesne and Squirrel Hill branches. One of his many accomplishments was opening a local branch in his hometown of Duquesne. After retirement, he was elected to the national office as treasurer for the First Catholic Slovak Union (JEDNOTA). As the JEDNOTA's longest elected national officer, he served as treasurer for 25 years. He has also served as president to Branch 38, president of the JEDNOTA's Pittsburgh District, president of the Homestead Lions Club, president of the American Legion, member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Greater Pittsburgh Fraternal Society, president of the West Virginia Fraternal Congress, board of directors of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Society and the director of the Western Pennsylvania Boy Scouts of America. One of his most memorable fraternal achievements was being awarded the Greater Pittsburgh Fraternal Society's Man-of-the Year. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, and from noon to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at JENNIFER S. JORDAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at Holy Trinity Church in West Mifflin, with the Rev. Joseph Grosko as celebrant. Interment will follow at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. George and his family established the Jodie Matta Dillinger Cancer Care Foundation at UPMC McKeesport to serve families of cancer patients within the Mon Valley. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the "JMD Foundation" at 1527 California Ave., White Oak, PA 15131. Condolences may be made at www.jenniferjordanfuneralhome.com.