David B Matanick
Born in Ambridge, Pa (home of J&L Steel outside Pittsburgh)
Born to immigrant parents from Croatia and Poland
Oldest of 5 siblings ( 4 younger sisters )
He loved playing baseball growing up and in high school and in the Army.
Volunteered for service with the Army after high school (Korean War vet)
Became a medic and served at an Army hospital in El Paso, Texas for returning soldiers with PTSD or other mental trauma
Met Phyllis Maurer, an Army nurse at the hospital, fell in love and married
After Army tour, moved back to Pennsylvania and then went to Penn State University and graduated with a degree in meteorology
Hired by US Weather Bureau and moved to Cleveland
Had 5 children (four boys and one girl)
(Now have 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and counting)
Had lots of fun family picnics, went to Indians games, and an annual trip to Cedar Point
Holidays were always a big thing with loads of decorations, food and presents galore at Christmas
Bob loved bowling, golf (but never good at it – just liked the walk and scenery) and his greatest love outside of family was going to Marc’s (or other discount stores prior to Marc’s) shopping for deals. He loved deals!
He was a pack rat and saved everything. Unfortunately that passed on down to one of the kids and even one of the grandchildren.
He and Phyllis had a terrific relationship and couldn’t have loved each other more. They referred to each other as “Fweetie”. They were married 67 years until she passed away almost 5 years ago.
He was the best role model possible for all of the kids. Best husband, father, and all around nice person who was never angry, never grouchy, never complained and bubbly and upbeat no matter what.
Other people who came into his life all said they never met anyone who was a nicer person.
He brought joy and happiness to so many people and positively affected the lives of his children, their spouses and their children.
He was a truly devout Catholic who never missed mass (YouTube mass for the last 1 ½ years but never missed). He sang all the songs too.
He said his private morning and nighttime prayers every day, praying for family and loved ones.
In his final years when he was housebound, he loved watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Lawrence Welk and history shows. He also did crossword puzzles and other word play games and was affectionately known as the “Word Wizard”
In his last year, he also loved watching Star Wars Clone Wars episodes with Tim and Lianna who would come over every week to watch with him.
He will be missed so much by so many !