William Matichak

Brother Major General William Matichak “Peckville’s General”, 78 , died on Tuesday at his residence, in Peckville.  His wife is the former Emilie Pakutka Matichak.Born in Scranton he was a lifelong resident of Peckville.  He was the son of the late Theodore and Eva Rusanage Matichak. He was educated in the Blakely schools and graduated from Johnson Technical School and Lackawanna Junior College Police Academy. A self employed proprietor of 5 different businesses, he was also an inventor.  He was the President of Scranton Patent Association and hold four patents in the US and Canada. He was a member of St. George’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church , Taylor.  He was well known in the Orthodox faith for his beautiful talent of making crosses.  They can be found in Taylor, Simpson, Nesquehoning and Johnstown.   He was the only mounted Commonwealth of PA State Constable , having served for 16 years.  He is also a life member of the VFW Shopa Davey Post 6082, Peckville.    He participated in over 100 parades, most often portraying General George Armstrong Custer. On June 29, 1992 there was a change of command ceremony at Letterkinny Depot.  Major General Harry Karageanes presented Mr. Matichak with a Bronze Medallion and the honor  “Brother Major General” was bestowed upon him. He was a US Army Veteran having served in Korea.  William Matichak was attached to the eighth army as an explosive demolition specialist during the Korean Conflict in which he received decorations and awards.  His commander and chief was General Douglas Macarthur.  When discharged, Mr. Matichak formed a corporation and named it “General MacArthur’s Company” He is survived by three sons, Billy Matichak,  Jr. of Peckville, David Matichak of Florida and Brian Matichak of New Jersey ; one daughter, Joy Matichak Bognatz of Uniondale Clifford, 10 grandchildren: Melissa and Nicole, Peckville; Kateri, David and Nathaniel , Florida; Edward and Courtney ,Clifford;  and Angela, Gina and Rene, New Jersey; 3 great grandchildren: Fiora Scalzo, Mariah Lyon, and Julian Black. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Schlasta.Divine Liturgy will be held by the Very Rev. Mark Leasure at 10AM on Saturday at St George’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church ,745 Keyser Ave., Taylor. Friends are asked to go directly to the church.    Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Peckville.Friends may call on Friday from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8PM at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home , Inc.  115 Garfield Ave.  Olyphant.Memorial contributions may   be made to: St. George’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church, 745 S. Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA, 18517.For directions or online condolences please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.