Matthew "Matty" Joseph Papka, Sr.

Matthew Joseph (Matty) Papka, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, found peace with the Lord on March 5, 2024, in Bluffton, SC. where he resided since 2001. Matthew was born on June 23, 1937 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa and was the youngest child to the late Joseph and Catherine Papka. He is also proceeded in death by his brother, Father Joseph Papka (Pa.).

Matthew married the love of his life, Irene, on December 26, 1959. Together they shared a life filled with love, devotion and many cherished memories. Matthew is survived by, Irene, his “biggest cheerleader” and loving wife of 65 years, sister Bernadine Bednar of Dallas, Pa., daughter: Lori Pezak (son-in law Joseph) of St. Augustine, FL, son: Matthew (Mattman II) J. Papka Jr. (daughter-in-law Elena) of Hilton Head, SC, daughter Tricia Michael (son-in-law Chad) of Bluffton, SC. Matthew has adored and enjoyed his grandchildren, Justin (Kristal), Tyler (Ranae), Dylan (Delanie), Taylor, Camryn and Nicholas. Great grandchildren Jaxon, Aurora, Ceci and Rex.

Before moving to Bluffton in 2001, Matthew went to Marymount high school in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He loved playing basketball and was the captain of the basketball team where enjoyed watching his favorite cheerleader, Irene, on the sidelines. Matthew also graduated from Kings College with honors and played basketball there as well.

In his professional career, Matthew worked as a 7th& 8th grade teacher in Glen Burnie, Md. He also worked for RCA/Harris Semiconductor in Mountaintop, Pa, as a senior buyer, up until his retirement. Matthew was voted Wright Township Tax Collector, in which he served his community faithfully for many years.

Matthew also served his church, St. Jude’s Catholic Church (Mountaintop, PA) as a 4th degree Knight of Columbus (given the title as Toastmaster). He was known to many as “the king of instant bingo,” where he was the main announcer for the St. Jude’s Bazaar and helped to organize the fundraising event for many years. He joined St. Gregory the Great Catholic church when he moved to Bluffton in 2001.

Matthews favorite moments were, having big laughs with his family crabbing at Solomon’s Island (Md) and made some of the best memories at Ocean City (Md), he so enjoyed Irene’s cooking, golfing, he adored dogs especially his two schnauzers (Fritzy and Max), and delighted in watching his granddaughters play basketball for John Paul II Catholic school.  

Matthew cherished every opportunity to be together with his loved ones and was always the one that would tear up when making a toast by telling everyone how much he cared and was proud of them and always finished with a classic “Na zdrowie!”

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am until the hour of the Mass at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus : Cardinal Bernardin #12263.

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