George S. Matyas, Sr., 96, World War II Veteran

He was born in Elyria on April 20, 1918 and had been a resident of Lorain County for his entire life.

George was a student in the 1923 kindergarten class at Elyria’s settlement house and subsequently attended the Elyria City Schools. He later worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Mr. Matyas was employed as a core maker by the Elyria Brass and Bronze Corporation prior to his induction into the military during World War II. He fulfilled duty assignments as an airplane mechanic attached to the 1306th Army Air Force Base Unit. Achieving the rank of Sergeant, George participated in campaigns in both India and Burma and was the recipient of the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the World War II Victory Medal, as well as the Good Conduct Medal; he was also issued the U.S. Army Lapel Button.

Upon returning from military service, he began employment at United States Steel Corporation’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works where he worked as a crane helper in the crane service unit of the steel producer’s Transportation Department. He was a proud member of United Steelworkers’ Local 1104.

George was a parishioner of the former Holy Trinity Church in Lorain; he was an avid fan of all sports and especially golf where, as a young man, he served as a caddy at the Spring Valley Country Club in Elyria. In his free time, George enjoyed taking vacations, casino trips, and playing cards with family and friends.

He is survived by his son George (Karen) Matyas, Jr. of Lorain, by daughters Kathleen Stuckert (Stan Lake) of Florida, Shirley (Homer) Hill of West Virginia, Rose Matyas (Jim Skorvanek) of North Ridgeville, and by stepdaughters Jo Ann Koviak of Elyria, Frances (Jack) Hevener and Marion (Mike) Hluszti both of Wellington along with Betty Ann Lane of North Carolina. He also leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren along with sisters Marge (Julius) Catanzarite of Elyria and Helen Karney of Lorain.

Mr. Matyas was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Veronica C. Matyas (nee Smith) in 2008, by his son Samuel Matyas, by stepsons Stanley and Michael Yourkvitch, by step-daughter Linda Grosso. by his parents George and Anna Matyas, and by his brother Raymond D. Matyas,

Friends may call Friday from 4 until 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 41295 North Ridge Road, Elyria Township. Reverend John C. Retar will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with joint military honors being conducted by the Department of the Army assisted by both VFW Post # 451 and American Legion Post # 30 of Lorain.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Ames Family Hospice House – 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, OH 44145.

To share your memories and condolences with the Matyas Family, please visit www.gluvna.net.