John James Matviya

John James Matviya, 70, of New Alexandria, passed away peacefully at Latrobe Hospital on November 6, 2022. He was born in Pittsburgh on November 26, 1951. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Gundy) Matviya, and his daughter, Anne. John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Christine (Blankenship) Matviya; his daughters Amy (Jason) Weir, Maggie (Zeke) Patterson, and son Daniel; grandchildren Sam and Maddie; sisters Peggy Kooser, Dorothy (Harry) Lydic, and Betsy (Lou) Natale; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. John attended Perry High School and later graduated with a biology degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He went on to work at Raccoon Creek State Park in 1974 for a year and then spent the rest of his career at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where he retired in 2007 as the Regional Manager for the Environmental Cleanup Program. John made music, not only as a rock ‘n roll DJ in his youth, but he played the piano for most of his life, sang with the Westmoreland Choral Society and in community choirs, and was a church cantor at St. James Church in New Alexandria. He extensively researched family genealogy and history, volunteered at local historical societies, and shared his knowledge as a presenter. John also enjoyed traveling, boxing with his Parkinson's group, and spending time with his loved ones. He will be remembered by his family and life-long friends for his gentle demeanor and kindness, and was loved by so, so many.  Family and friends will be received Wednesday, Nov 9, 2022, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 215 Church St., New Alexandria, PA 15670, 724-668-2248.  John’s funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Church with Fr. Tyler J. Bandura as celebrant.  Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, New Alexandria, PA.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name be made to the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania, 575 Lincoln Avenue, #101, Bellevue, PA 15202, www.pfwpa.org or Derry Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 64
New Derry, PA 15671, www.derryhistory.org.  To send an online condolence, please visit www.NewhouseFuneralHome.com.

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