John Paul Matia, Jr.
John Paul Matia, Jr., age 70, from Brisbin, Pennsylvania, passed away at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center surrounded by his family on July 9, 2022, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. John was born on July 13, 1951, at the Philipsburg State Hospital, the only child of John Paul Matia, Sr, and Helen (Ruman) Matia, both of whom predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, the former Linda Hughes, whom he married on August 25, 1973, at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Philipsburg, his three children, Jennifer Matier and her husband Fran, Jeff Matia and his wife Daleen, Stephanie Matia and her husband Derek Walker, and seven loving grandchildren that will deeply miss their pap-pap, Henry Matia, Connor Matier, Evan Matia, Wynston Walker, Broderick Walker, Violet Matia, and Audrey Matia.
John graduated from the Philipsburg-Osceola High School in 1969, and from Geneva College in 1973, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Immediately upon graduation, John accepted a position as a 6th grade teacher at the Osceola Mills Elementary School, a role he cherished for his entire 33 year career. John was a beloved teacher, and the love he possessed for his former students was demonstrated by the fact that even after decades had passed, he could still recall each and every one of them by name, and often had a memorable story to share about them from their time in his classroom.
Upon his retirement in 2006, John was able to dedicate his full efforts to his favorite hobby, which was gardening. John took pride in providing his family, friends, neighbors, and many unwanted deer and rabbits, with the harvest from his garden. John shared his techniques and growing tips, many of which he learned from his father, with his children and grandchildren, and instilled in all of them the love of growing.
John was an active member of the Centre United Methodist Church, where he served as Chair of the PPRC, and also as a Sunday School teacher and member of various committees. He was an active volunteer with the Relay for Life, and with the planning of his high school class’s reunion events and gatherings.
There will be a celebration of John’s life held at the Osceola Mills United Methodist Church on July 15, 2022, with Pastor Gloria Montgomery and John’s brother-in-law, Rev. Randy Hughes officiating, beginning at noon. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00am until the hour of celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be sent to ACS-Relay For Life Clearfield at 108 N. Second Street, Clearfield, PA, 16830; the Clear-Centre Community Pool, c/o Osceola Mills Boro at 519 Pruner Street, Osceola Mills, PA, 16666; or a charity of your choice.
Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, Osceola Mills, PA is in charge of arrangements.
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