Joseph F. Matig
February 15, 1919 ~ February 27, 2017 (age 98) 98 Years OldShare using:
Joseph F. Matig, 98, of Niles passed away at 1:45PM Monday February 27, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown.
He was born February 15, 1919 in Windber, Pennsylvania, the son of Martin and Dorothy Arko Matig, and moved to Niles in the late 1950’s.
Joe graduated in 1936 from Spangler High School in Pennsylvania. Due to his ability to excel in school, especially in mathematics, he advanced from 6th grade to 8th grade. In 1940, he joined the Army Air Corps. In 1947, Joe grandfathered into the newly formed U.S. Air Force gaining the status of Supergrade and he also worked in research and development. While at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Joe worked closely with Chuck Yeagar.
He retired in 1960 as a Chief Master Sergeant. He was in the first group that was awarded the Charter Chief Master Sergeant title. He not only was a chief of aircraft maintenance at Youngstown Air Base, but he also worked with Admiral Rickover during his civil service with the Anatomic Energy Commission.
Joe played the button box in his younger years and, later was a shareholder in the Slovenski-Dom in Girard. He enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards especially pinochle, and listening to polka music. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marie Catherine Hickey Matig whom he married December 29, 1945. Marie passed away on April 9, 1955. Joe was often asked why he never remarried, and he always said, “I got it right the first time.”
Joe raised four children by himself. He was loving but firm and taught integrity and values. He will be deeply missed by his four children, Jim (Wanda) Matig of Warren, Linda Campbell of Tallahassee, Florida, Jo Ann (Jim) Fynes of McDonald, and John (Barb) Matig of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a sister Victoria Matig and a brother Jacob Kovska, both of Pittsburgh, twelve grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Melody.
Joe was one of the most unassuming men that God had put on this earth.
Per Joe’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. He will be cremated and laid to rest with his wife Marie in Pittsburgh.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
