Stanley F. Matras

Stanley F. Matras, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Birch Manor Care Center, with his loving family at his side. Born on June 27, 1926, son of the late Patrick and Frances (Rocier) Matras, he was a lifelong Chicopee resident. A graduate of Chicopee High School, Class of 1943, he continued his education at American International College, earning his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. He later earned his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies at the University of Hartford. Stanley was a highly respected educator in Chicopee, first as a teacher of grades 7 and 8 for eight years, and then as a principal for twenty nine years. He was a US Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 717th Tank Battalion. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the American Theatre Service Medal and the Victory Medal. Stanley was a member of many organizations and served as a director of the Polish National Credit Union. He and his wife Cecelia volunteered at the neo-natal intensive care unit in Baystate Medical Center. He enjoyed mushroom picking at his favorite secret spots. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of sixty-three years, Cecelia B. (Matys) Matras; his loving children, Stanley P. Matras and his wife Diane of Chicopee, Karen C. Provost-Mullin and her husband Michael of Chicopee, and Mary Jane Matras of Chicopee; six cherished grandchildren, Kathryn Reiner and her husband Christopher of Marlborough, Matthew Provost of San Diego, and Tiffany Matras, Alyssa Mullin, Kristina Mullin and Casey Wegrzyn, all of Chicopee; his cherished great-grandchildren, Julia and Rhys; sister, Irene Gendron of Wilbraham; sisters-in-law, Doris Matysiewicz, Rita Matys and Rita Matusiewicz; brother-in-law, Adolph Matys and his wife Kathy; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Alice Nahormek, Nel Avault, Stella Raciborski-Jourdain and Bertha Kodis, and his brothers, Leo, Joseph and Ted Cebula. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass for Stanley on Saturday at 11 AM in the Chapel of Elms College. There are no calling hours and burial was at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elms College Office of Development, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee, 01013 or the Friends of the Chicopee Senior Citizens Building Fund, 7 Valley View Ct., Chicopee, MA 01020.

Stanley F. Matras

June 27, 1926 - March 21, 2013

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Stanley F. Matras

June 27, 1926 - March 21, 2013

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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Obituaries

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