John W. Mateja

Obituary for John W. Mateja (1943-2023)

John “Ja” W. Mateja, age 80, of Swedesburg, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, with his children at his bedside. Born in Norristown, John was the son of the late Stanley Mateja and the late Mary (nee Branas) Mateja, the devoted husband since August 5,1961 of the late Bonnie Darlene (nee Helsel) Mateja, who passed on September 19, 2013, the loving father of John W. Mateja, Jr. of Bridgeport and Christine McCoy (Joseph, Sr.) of Bridgeport, the proud Pop-Pop of John Z. Mateja (Natalie), Lauren Springle (Benjamin), Jacob Lorenz (Heather), Meredith Dworecki (Benjamin), Sarah Lorenz, Taylor Mateja and Joseph McCoy, Jr. (Lara) and the adoring Great Pop-Pop of Charlotte, David, Jameson, Lucille, Erin and Joey. In addition, “Ja” had two brothers, Joseph Mateja and Stanley Mateja as well as a sister, the late Theresa Gregory.

John attended Bishop Kenrick High School and then Upper Merion High School. He was an accomplished auto body technician and owner, with his brother Joe, of Stan’s Auto Body since he was 17 years old, and retired in 2010. He was a very devout and active member of Sacred Heart Church for many years. At the church, he was a lector, a parish picnic worker and Past President of their Holy Name Society. At the picnics, John was famous for his dill pickles that he made for the picnic workers, family and friends. He was also an avid gardener, every year he planted more crops so he could share his harvest with everyone. John was also a life member, served on the board of directors, and Past President of Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company and a Troop Leader for The Boy Scouts of Sacred Heart Parish.

Relatives and friends are invited to Sacred Heart Church, 120 Jefferson Street, Swedesburg, PA 19405 on Saturday, November 18, where John’s viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until 10:20 a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass starting at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are by The Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home, Swedesburg, Upper Merion Twp., PA, 610-275-6385, Keith J. Murphy, F.D. www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jared Pishock Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 262, Gilbertsville, PA. 19525 or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), give2.chop.edu; as John Supported many causes and Children's Charities were always of importance to him.

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