Michael V. Matalka

Michael V. Matalka, formerly of Binghamton

Michael V. Matalka, 90, lived a vibrant and healthy life, then passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2014.  He loved to laugh and make friends with everyone he met.  He is survived by his wife, Marion Rusnak Matalka; a son, Michael P. Matalka (Shirley), of Houston, TX; and a daughter, Jeanne Foster, of Sayre, PA. His six grandsons were his pride and joy, Michael Foster (Camcie), of Boulder, CO., Jason Matalka (Tera), of Houston, TX., Patrick Foster (Electra) of State College, PA., Brian Matalka, of Houston, TX., Sean Foster, of Pittsburgh, PA., and Jonathan Foster (Kristen), of Athens, PA.  Mike was also proud of his  great-grandchildren, Alaan and Ridley, of Colorado, and Athena and Natalie (born after he passed), of PA.  Mike was the youngest of 7 children born to his parents, Michael & Mary (Dufek) Matolka.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Stephen and Victor Matalka; and his sisters, Anna Finch, Velma Pado, Mary Bennett and Angeline Ritter.  Mike was a US Army veteran of WW II, serving in the 28th Division.  He landed on Omaha Beach and later moved on to Normandy, France.  He participated in 4 major battles throughout Europe and ended his army career in Germany.  He received numerous awards and a Silver Star.  He returned to Binghamton after the war and met and married his wife of 66 years, Marion.  He studied in NYC to become a certified dental technician and eventually owned a dental lab with his brother, Vic, for 37 years in downtown Binghamton. Mike loved playing golf and playing cards with his friends in Binghamton and in Mission, TX., where he lived for 5 months every year during his 30-year retirement.  While wintering in Texas, he was selected the 1990-1991 "Man of the Year" at Meadow Creek Country Club, where he and Marion lived.  He was a member of the VFW in Johnson City, NY and later in Brenham, TX, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sugarland, TX.  Mike's laughter and enthusiasm for life will be missed by his wife, children, grandsons, and great-grandchildren.  He was an 89-year member of SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 148 Clinton St., Binghamton, NY, where a Memorial Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 22, 2014.  Family will receive friends at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at 10:00 AM.  Inurnment will be in Slovak Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.

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