Raymond Matyas

Of Springfield, VA, on September 22, 2014 at the age of 85. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Loretta (Poniatowski) Matyas, his parents Michael and Catherine Matyas and his brother Eugene Matyas. Amazing father of son David Matyas of Springfield, VA, and daughter Linda and son-in-law Steven Rogness of Sykesville, MD; dearly loved grandfather of Kristen Rogness of Tucson, AZ, Alec and Jack Rogness of Sykesville, MD; and brother of Robert Matyas of Warminster, PA.

Born April 19, 1929 in McAdoo, PA and raised in West Hazleton, PA, Ray graduated from Hazle Township High School in 1946. Ray enlisted in the United States Army on October 4, 1948 and served as a medic and senior clerk in Germany. He was selected for Officer Candidate School, commissioned a Second Lieutenant on October 12, 1951, and became a platoon leader and trained personnel in Land Mines and Booby Trap Warfare. He married his beautiful wife Loretta on June 27, 1953 and left the service on October 3, 1953 as a First Lieutenant. In June of 1957 Ray received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. Upon graduation Ray relocated to Northern Virginia and accepted a job with Melpar, Inc. where he worked for 10 years. Ray was then hired as a mechanical engineer by the Department of Defense and was assigned to the Naval Ship Systems Command, later named Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). His first job was as a Ship Project Engineer. His final job was as Director, Cruisers/Coast Guard Ships. He loved all aspects of his career, especially the sea trials. He thought his 25 years of working for the Navy and its resources such as ships, personnel and shipyards was the most fantastic job he could ever have imagined.

Ray was a founding member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alexandria, one of the early presidents of Loisdale Civic association, and PTA President at Forestdale Elementary School. Ray was an avid golfer for over 50 years. He made his last 8-foot putt in August and said “I’m done.” He also loved fishing and recently could be found sitting on the dock and trolling for catfish at the lake behind The Fairfax at Belvoir Woods with his son David or great friend Ted Doroshenk. Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Raymond’s memory to The Lustgarten Foundation at www.lustgarten.org or The Catholic Charities of Arlington.