Elysburg – Steven Charles Matukaitis, 75, of Bear Gap, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in his home surrounded by his devoted wife of 50 years, Alice C. Matukaitis, and their family.

He was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on September 10, 1943, a son of the late Stanley and Sophia (Beckno) Matukaitis.

On August 9, 1969, in Wentzville, MO, he married the love of his life, Alice Hunsel, who survives.

Steve was a 1961 graduate of Mount Carmel High School and held a Masters of Science Degree in Physical Education and a Masters of Science Degree in Special Education. He was a respected Special Education teacher and coach for over 35 years, in Missouri, Delaware, and most recently for the Bloomsburg School District. Matukaitis was an athlete in high school and scholar athlete at East Stroudsburg University and Truman University. Over the years "Coach Mat" was a dedicated Wrestling, Football, and Track Coach, mentoring many gifted athletes spanning several decades. After retirement he was armchair coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.

In addition, in 1977, Steve established Matukaitis Farm in Bear Gap and was dedicated to growing and marketing quality vegetables for the local community.

Steven is survived by his wife, Alice (Hunsel) Matukaitis, of Elysburg; two sons, Michael S. Matukaitis and his wife, Amy Lowe Matukaitis, of Lewisburg, and Jason B. Matukaitis, of Koa, Hawaii; two daughters, Lisa M. Matukaitis, of Camp Hill, and Jennifer L. Othmer and her husband, Philipp Othmer, of Lititz; six grandsons, Jackson Matukaitis, Ethan Cohen, Bennett Cohen, Brooks Walker, Evan Walker and Lennon Othmer; three granddaughters, Lydia Matukaitis, Ava Othmer and Alice Othmer; a sister, Debra Roeding and her husband, Andy, of Center Valley; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Steven was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Alma Hunsel.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Steven C. Matukaitis, 75, of Bear Gap - Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Church of Our Lady, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851, Father Francis Karwacki, officiating. Burial will follow the service in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mount Carmel, after a procession passing the family farm. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Vigil Prayers at 7:00 p.m. in the C . J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N. Vine Street, Mount Carmel, C. J. Lucas IV, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com