Obituary of John Michael Matuszek, Jr.

DELMAR - John M. Matuszek, Jr., PhD, 85, nuclear chemist, husband, father, grandpa, concert-level accordionist, Life Master in bridge, teacher, skier, faithful Catholic, and 299 bowler, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 at his home in Delmar, NY. He and his wife, Roberta Matuszek, were college sweethearts who married at St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton and loved each other for 63 years. In addition to Roberta, he is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Debra-Jane Karpowitz and husband Tom, John M. Matuszek III and wife Randi, Kevin Matuszek and wife Janet, and Jennifer Keating and husband Kevin – and his pride and joy, his grandchildren Timothy and husband Antoine, Bethany, Jace and wife Gabrielle, Alexis, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Riley, and Declan. John was a preeminent scientist in nuclear chemistry and radiological sciences, having put himself through college at WPI on ROTC scholarship and PhD at Clark University on grant. He proudly served his country and community as a Lieutenant Commander in the Public Health Service and, later, through his 30 year career of civil service as Director of the NYS Department of Health, Radiological Sciences. John will be remembered as a loving husband, Dad and Grandpa who never missed an activity or accomplishment of his children or grandchildren, distinguished professor of nuclear chemistry, globally published scientist, proud patriot, and lover of the arts and all things Boston sports – especially his beloved Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. Memorial services will be held for the family Monday, November 16, 2020 at St. Thomas the Apostle followed by military burial at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia Research Foundation, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or Broadway Cares.