Life Legacy

Mr. Thomas "Tom" Joseph Matelski, age 86, of High Falls, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his residence. Tom was born on Saturday, October 25, 1930 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the son of the late Joseph Matelski and the late Helen Buksar Matelski. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Mary Hargraves.

He enjoyed collecting coins, yard work, military history, square dancing, chopping wood. Tom loved submarines, serving God, his church and his community. For years, he arrived at St. Mary's exactly 2 hours before Mass on Saturday night. He would also attend and volunteer at any special Mass the church had. He would meticulously clean and set up the church for Mass. Tom would help make sure that there were volunteers for each task during Mass and help find someone if someone didn't show up. He served as an usher every Saturday night and finished any job that needed doing including keeping the fire going on Good Friday. Tom was there to do whatever he could for Mass and the church. It did not matter the weather or if he was sick, he would always make it to church on time. There were several times he had to work on his car to get to church and work on it in the parking lot just to get home, but he still made it to church to give his time. Tom was truly dedicated to God and St. Mary's.

Tom graduated from Hanover High School. He proudly entered the U.S. Navy March 9, 1949, during the Korean War. He helped design and build the first Geodome. He then helped design top secret submarines until he retired.

Tom is survived by his niece, Denise, and great-nephew, Rich Newman.

A Funeral Mass for Tom Matelski will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 05, 2017 at St. Mary, Mother of God, Catholic Church with Father Jose' Kochuparampil officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Jonesboro, GA. A viewing will be held at Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfh.com

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 East College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Matelski family.