SALEM - Matislaw, “Matty” Szpak, 84, of Salem, husband of the late Margaret “Peggy” (Hatch) Szpak, died Wednesday morning, November 11, 2009 in the home that he built, surrounded by his family.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Francisek “Frank” and Rosalie (Rzesos) Szpak. He was a graduate of Salem High School in the class of 1943.
Upon his graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served as an armed guard gunners mate in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. Upon his release from active duty following WWII, he joined in the Navy Reserve and served until 1951.
Mr. Szpak was employed for many years at Northeast Petroleum in Salem, later known as Cargill, and retired in 1983.
A lifelong resident of the city, he was a member of the Polish Falcons, Nest #188. He enjoyed wood working and traveling the states with his wife in their retirement years.
Matty is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Susan Szpak of Salem, two daughters and sons-in-law, Priscilla and Richard Gagne of Beverly, Linda and Paul Morin of Salem, three grandchildren, Keith Gagne of Beverly, Stephen Szpak Jr. and Matthew Szpak, both of Salem, one sister, Genevieve Szpak of Salem and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Estelle R. Kelleher, Wanda Howarth, Amelia Thomas, Thadous Spak, Stanley Sypak and Rudolph Szpak.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 10 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Friday, 4 to 8 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the Fisher House Boston, PO Box 230, S. Walpole, MA 02071 or online at www.FisherHouseBoston.org. For online guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.