Raymond Stanley Matejek

Raymond “Ray” Stanley Matejek, age 82, passed away suddenly on August 11, 2023 at his home in Rogers, Arkansas. Ray was born on September 25, 1940 in Derby, CT to Frank and Ann (Kohanowsky) Matejek.

Ray grew up in Ansonia, CT, where as a teenager he was Captain of the Ansonia High football team that went to State and he was selected as an All-State & All-American player. He played some semi-pro football before entering into the commitment of a family.

Ray married the love of his life, Linda (Tuccio) Matejek on January 15, 1959 and recently told Linda, while listening to the song, “I’d Do It All Over Again” by Wanda Jackson…. he’d “do it all over again”. They had four boys and his trades took them across the country from Connecticut to California. By trade, Ray was a residential contractor, aircraft machinist, and cabinet maker. From building homes to working on confidential government aircraft to building beautiful cabinets, Ray was always proud of the work he had done and could tell the most engaging stories of his experiences. Outside of his occupations, Ray liked to hunt, fish, watch sports and rebuild antique cars. Ray loved to trout fish and many days and weekends he and Linda could be found dropping a line on the Mountain Fork or out at Albert Pike. Football was another great love of Ray's. He was always counting down to opening day.. The New York Giants were by far his favorite team, but also cheered on the Patriots or any team playing against the Cowboys. UConn ladies’ basketball team was another of his favorite teams to root on when not watching football. Now if neither of those were on the T.V., he would find a good western on the tube or old country “Outlaw” music to listen to. In Ray's retirement years, he took up rebuilding “Rat Rods”. He loved going to the car shows and brought home many trophies and awards for his craftsmanship.

As much as Ray enjoyed his hobbies, it was more apparent that his true love was Linda and his family. “Pop”, “Poppa Ray”, “Poppa-jek”, “Raymo” … all references to a man that was often seen as ‘Big As Life’ by his family. Each of his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grands, many other family and friends all have special memories of times spent with him. Those memories will always have a part of their hearts.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jimmy Matejek of Ansonia, CT.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Linda (Tuccio) Matejek; daughter-in-law, Lisa Matejek of Ansonia, CT; son, Mark Matejek and wife, Karen of Mena, AR; son, Tom Matejek and wife, Dee of Mena, AR; son, Jeff Matejek and wife, Lori of Rogers, AR; 10 grandchildren – James Michael, Josh and Amanda Matejek of Ansonia, CT; Jason Matejek and wife, Kim of Charleston, AR; Tracy Post and husband, Andrew of Ft. Smith, AR; Adam Matejek of Beijing, China; Ryan Matejek of Mena, AR; Megann Matejek and husband, Eric of Kansas, OK; Dylan Matejek and wife, Kaylin of Pea Ridge, AR; and Lorin Matejek of Roger, AR; 10 great-grandchildren – Jaylee and Korbin Matejek; Braycen, Brylen, Brecken, and Brevyn Austin; Raeann, Case, and Barrett Rowe; and Maren Matejek; brother, Frank Matejek of West Plains, Missouri; sister, Patti Humpries of Camarillo, California; along with many nephews and nieces.