Father Ronald G. Matulewicz, 91

Father Ronald G. Matulewicz, 91

Father Ronald G. Matulewicz, 91, died Aug. 12. Father Ron, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Schenectady to the late Charles and Sophie Koral Matulewicz. Father Matulewicz was ordained a priest in the Albany Catholic Diocese on May 23, 1959. He had assignments with the Albany Catholic Diocese that included: assistant at St. Joseph’s in Albany (1959-61), assistant at St. Michael’s in Cohoes (1961), assistant at St. Anthony’s in Johnstown and teacher at Bishop Burke (1961-71), assistant at St. Alphonsus in Glens Falls (1971-72), pastor at St. Anthony’s in Herkimer (1972-86), pastor at Our Lady of Grace in Ballston Lake (1986-89), chaplain at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany (1989-93), and pastor at St. Stephen’s in Hagaman and St. Mary’s in Galway (1993-2008)

Father Matulewicz retired in 2008. During his retirement, he celebrated Mass at various parishes in the Capital District. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, gardening and painting. He always made a point to visit the sick and the elderly. Father Ron liked antiques. He was frugal but would buy things for others, but not himself. He enjoyed growing vegetables, especially garlic. He liked teaching people to listen and learn. While in Glenville, he grew 200 garlic plants and when he moved in with his nephew, Stan, his garden grew to 6,000 garlic plants. He enjoyed picking the garden and giving vegetables to his friends and family. 

He enjoyed sewing and painting. He could do almost anything and wasn’t too humble to let you know it. He could be a bit of a joker. He loved Poland and all Polish people that he met and their food. His time with family was most special to him. His mother was his favorite and he was hers. He cared deeply about his friends and their families and would help in any way he could, and his friends reciprocated; for example, the loving care of his friends, Nora and Doug Bennett who cooked homemade meals for him and loved him until the second he passed away. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He also enjoyed going to Uncle Ben’s Tavern in Schenectady, with his nephew, Stan. They frequently went on Fridays, which Father Ron enjoyed. He made many friends there and maintained those friendships until his passing. Lastly, he really loved eclairs and sweets. He will be thought about eternally by all.

Father Ron was predeceased by two sisters, Eileen Dennebaum and Dolores DuCharme. He is survived by one niece, Cherylanne DuCharme; two nephews, Stanley DuCharme and Ronald C. DuCharme; great niece, Shannon (Dan) Cath; and great-great-nephew, Shane Cath.

Father Ron’s Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 19 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Niskayuna. Burial followed the Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.

Special thanks to Nora and Doug Bennett for the exceptional care they provided for Father over the last few years and to Community Hospice, especially, Dr. John Pezzulo and Mitchell Forshey, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.