Matthew G. Pribanic, age 93, passed away Monday, April 23, 2012 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph following a short illness.
He was born in Lorain, Ohio to John and Karoline (nee Yanderlich) Pribanic on June 8, 1918 and had been a lifelong resident.
Matthew was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II in the 2nd division, 38th Field Artillery at Normandy Landing on D-Day. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in action in Brest, France.
He retired from U.S. Steel in 1980 as a lieutenant in the Protection Department. Upon retiring he enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling the globe with his wife, Josephine.
Matthew was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, Lorain where he served as an usher for many years. As an avid fisherman, he was a founding member of the Polish Fisherman's Club in 1947. .He proudly served as president for 15 years and treasurer for 22 years for the club, that celebrated their 65th. anniversary in 2012. He was a past president and lifetime Director of the League of Ohio Sportsmen and a strong advocate of youth fishing programs and Lake Erie conservation.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 637, the Louis Paul Proy D.A.V. Chapter #20, Lorain, the Senior Fellowship Club of Lorain, the Lorain Sailing and Yacht Club, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the Second Indian Head Division Association and a past president and member of the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame.
Matthew is survived by his daughter-in-law, Bonnie Pribanic, of Lorain; 2 grandchildren, Debbie (Jon)Knechtly, of Loveland, OH and Tammy (Ken) Mason, of Phoenix,AZ; 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas Cole Mason and Rylie Mason, of Phoeniz, AZ; and several nieces and nephews all of whom were the joy of his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Josephine (nee Citak), in January of 2000; son, Dale, in September of 2009; sisters, Ann Tropio, Mary Hunady; brothers, John, Frank, Joseph and Michael Pribanic.
The Pribanic family will receive family and friends on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Closing prayers will be said on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 8:45 a.m. in the funeral center followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Nativity BVM Catholic Church. 418 W. 15th. St., Lorain, Rev. Fr. Robert Glepko, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. The Louis Paul Proy D.A.V. Chapter #20 and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Matthew's memory may be made to the Nativity BVM Catholic Church Renovation Fund.
Online condolences may be left for the Pribanic family at www.dovinreberjones.com
