WORCESTER___Leopold "Leo" J. Matys, 94, of 40 Julio Dr., Shrewsbury and formerly of Dillon Heights and Sterling St ., died Tuesday, November 1, in St. Vincent Hospital. His beloved wife of 56 years, Helen T. Pieniazek, to whom he was devoted, died in 1998.
He leaves five children, Leopold “Lee” R. and his wife Dolores of Millbury, Mary-Ann and her husband Thomas Kirklauskas of Auburn, Paul E. and his wife Cynthia of Baltimore, MD, Elaine and her husband Harry A. Kasparian of Andover, and Richard J. and his wife Susan of Holden. He also leaves 15 grandchildren, Mark, Deanna, Laura, Erica, Joseph, Melissa, Stephanie, Amy, Michael, Julia, Luke, Elizabeth, Brandon, Nicholas and Sarah, and 6 great grandchildren, Maria, Finley, Allison, Spencer, Jason, and Adrik. Mr. Matys leaves a sister, A. Regina Barauskas of Dracut. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary (Mae) Mulic and Helen Bruinsma. He also leaves a dear friend and companion Helen Eddey. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, son of Julian V. and Adela (Grabowski) Matyszczyk and has lived in Worcester most of his life.
Mr. Matys was in the US Army during WW II, proudly serving in the European campaign. He attended Northeastern University and graduated from Worcester Junior College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a cost accountant at the former American Steel & Wire, Division of U.S. Steel Co. for 39 years before retiring in 1978. Leo was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and the St. Mary's Boosters Club. He was an active member and past adjutant of the Polish American Veterans of WW II, always marching in the Veteran’s Day Parade. He was a member of the Polish Naturalization Independent Club, and was a former member of the United Steelworkers Union of America, Local 2530. Leo loved family gatherings, polka music, dancing and traveling.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 5 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Entombment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours in the funeral home are Friday, November 4 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The Polish American Veterans of WW II will meet at 7 p.m. during calling hours to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Memorial Fund, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA. 01610.