NATICK: Matthew J. Gustin, age 88, of Bellingham, formerly of Natick and Marlborough, died surrounded by his family on Monday evening, April 24, 2017, at Mary Ann Morse Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Carpenter) Gustin, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
Born Harrisburg, PA, and raised in neighboring Steelton, he was a son of the late Mathias and Theresa (Kocevar) Gustin. Upon his graduation from Harrisburg Catholic High School, now Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Matthew enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Yeoman 3rd Class during the Korean War. He met Mary, who hailed from Boston, while in the service. They married in 1953 and started their married life in Mattapan.
Matthew started his career as a machinist working with I-Tech of Brookline, and furthered his education while with the company. In 1960, the Gustin Family settled in Natick, where Matthew spent a great deal of time at the William L. Chase Arena. He ensured that his children made their ice times, was a faithful fan at his sons’ hockey games, and enjoyed watching his daughter’s progress as a figure skater.
In 1975, Matthew became employed with the Polaroid Corporation, where among his outstanding achievements was his participation in the design, creation, and implementation of the Viking Mars Landing Cameras now on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
In his retirement, Matthew enjoyed nothing more than the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, and of late, his great-grandchildren. The love that he had for his family was returned in full measure.
He is survived by his children, Mike Gustin and his wife Liz of Waltham, Matt Gustin, Jr. and his wife Maureen of Groton, Linda Gallagher and her husband Joe of Bellingham, Ken Gustin and his wife Eileen of Needham, and Jim Gustin and his wife Joy of Peabody; eight grandchildren, Lauren Cleveland, and Mark, Chris, Joseph, Michael, Julia, Josh, and Jake Gustin; great-grandchildren Peter and Mary Grace Gustin; and his sister-in-law Charlotte Gustin of PA, wife of his late brother James.
His funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common on Monday, May 1st at 9:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, 2 – 5PM. Matthew will be laid to rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, on Monday at 1:45PM.
Donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.