George A. Matalka

George Matalka, age 79, of Gahanna, passed peacefully Monday, June 08, 2020 surrounded by family. He was born July 8th, 1940 in Broummana, Lebanon. George is survived by his wife of 44 years, Helen Matalka, his 4 children: Nadia Matalka of Berlin,Germany, Jack (Diane) Matalka of Cincinnati, Don Matalka of Miamisburg, and Michael Matalka of Blacklick. As well, his 5 grandchildren: Nicolas, Brandie, Brandon, Catherine and Maggie. Also survived by his siblings: Ramzi (Ayda) Matalqa, Akram aka Jack (Raida) Matalka and Afif (Lamis) Mataka. George is preceded in death by his father, Jacob and his mother Hind.

George was a long-time resident of Gahanna, a Community he loved immensely, where he raised his family, practiced local politics and befriended everyone he met.

He was a man of great depth and many talents. He received an electrical engineering degree in Germany. He was a dedicated Deputy Registrar for the State Auditor’s Office along with being quite the entrepreneur, having businesses in real estate and the automotive industry. Always the adventurist, George had his own private pilot license. He loved to travel globally and he never passed up the opportunity to patronize a casino. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid sports fanatic – Go Buckeyes!! George never missed a chance to catch up with “the boys” at his favorite gathering spot, Cigara. George lived a 1000 years in his 79 calendar ones.

He was a rare combination of a prince and a fighter and chose to always be surrounded by family and friends which were truly the greatest loves of his life.

The Matalka family would like to express extreme gratitude for the nurses and staff at the OSU Hospice Center, they are angels in scrubs.

A friend to all, George will be missed dearly as the world is truly emptier without him. Family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00pm and 4:00-6:00pm on Sunday June 14th at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd, Gahanna. The funeral service will follow the next day at 12:30 PM on Monday, June 15, 2020, at Saint Matthews, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. To stream the Mass online, please visit https://www.stmatthew.net/live-streaming-options. The burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.