Obituary of John Francis Matas

John F. Matas -AKRON John F. Matas, beloved son, husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2011. Born in Warren, OH on December 17, 1943, the first of 12 children, John grew up in Newton Falls, Ohio and graduated from Newton Falls High School. He enlisted and served his country as an Intelligence Officer with the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, earning many citations for exemplary work ethic and keen deductions of military patterns. John went on to attain his Bachelors of Political Science and Masters of Public Administration from Kent State University while starting a family of his own. John retired in 2001, with over 31 years of service, from the City of Akron, where his career began as a Relocation Counselor and progressed as a Planner IV and as an EEO Officer for 10 years on Federal projects. John was preceded in death by his father John and brothers Roger & Paul. He is survived by his loving wife Faye of Cuyahoga Falls; mother Frances Matas of Malta, OH; daughters Michelle Matas of Akron, Jennifer Matas of Columbia, SC, Lisa Daus (Mark) of Doylestown, and Paula Matas of Akron; grandchildren Jonathan, Jessica, and Maxwell Daus; siblings Joann Taylor, Edward Matas (Diane), James Matas (Carol), Michael Matas (Patricia), Mary Chern (Michael), Richard Matas (Jennifer), Judy Abraham (Fred), Andrew Matas, and Robert Matas. John was an avid hunter and fisherman; traits that he passed down to his younger siblings, children, and grandchildren. Fishing on Lake Erie was a favorite pastime. In his later years, fishing with his grandchildren was his joy. John's love of nature is solely due to his mother's influence and the nurturing ways she taught their children. Many family vacations were spent on his parent's farm in Morgan County, Oh, as John enjoyed working side by side with his father, while his mother told the children stories about farm life. Campfires were special for John as he taught our children about history, family, and nature; a true Boy Scout, honest and true. The grandest thing that can be said about John was his love for his family; especially his mother, Frances, his eleven siblings, his children, and grandchildren. He was a quiet man who spoke volumes. His legacy will live on as his family goes forward and carries on his love for education, nature and nurturing. He was truly an amazing man. Please celebrate John's life with us, by bringing your own memories and sharing those memories with our family, on Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home MCGOWAN-REID & SANTOS CHAPEL (247 Stow Ave. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE FUND, 2045 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, ATTN: Tiffany Weaver; or to the ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S FUND. Anthony Funeral Homes anthonyfh.com 330.928.1313