Mr. Joseph Mattias, 88, a resident of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed into eternal life early Thursday morning in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a recent illness with his beloved wife, Alma by his side. Born in the Newtown section of Hanover Township, he was a son to the late Andrew and Mary (Balla) Mattias. Educated in the Hanover Township schools, he was a member of the 1949 graduating class of the former Hanover High School.
Following his formal education, in 1950 Mr. Mattias joined the United States Air Force Reserves. He was eventually called to active duty, proudly serving our country during the Korean Conflict and later the Vietnam War, being stationed in Japan. Joseph attained the rank of Technical Sergeant upon the time of his honorable discharge from military duties on May 24, 1970.
Following his return home, Mr. Mattias was previously employed with the former Craft Associates in Plains Township as an upholsterer. He later worked as a data entry transcriber for the local office of the Social Security Administration in Wilkes-Barre. Until his retirement in 1992, he most recently worked as a supply clerk for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township.
He and his beloved wife, the former Alma Minnick, shared forty-nine years of married life together. He was a member of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Joseph’s professional and fraternal involvement include membership in N.A.R.F.E., the National Association of Retired Federal Employees; was a life member at Post, #644 of the American Legion, Swoyersville and was also a member of the Irem Temple Shriners.
He is remembered by those who knew and loved him for his gentle spirit and the many jokes he would share to brighten the days of those he came in contact with. Mr. Mattias was preceded in death by brothers, Andrew and John Mattias and by sisters, Mrs. Susan Tyburski, Mrs. Ann Malmberg and Mrs. Helen Wiernusz. Left to hold his memory dear in addition to his wife Alma at home are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services for Joseph will be held Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street. His pastor, the Reverend Peter J. Haenftling of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, will serve as celebrant . Interment with prayers of committal will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, 68 Saint Mary’s Road, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force.
Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Mattias and her family Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of floral tributes, Joe’s family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly consider the charity of their own choosing.
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