OBITUARY
Matthew Jan Siwik
April 15, 1968 – December 7, 2020
Matthew Jan Siwik, 52 of New Bedford, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the fiancé of Rebecca Grace and father of Matthew Siwik.
Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Walter Stanley, Jr and Helen (Kurowski) Siwik, Matthew was a like long resident of the south coast. Matthew was a beloved instructor at Blue Hills Regional Technical High School, Metal fabrication and Joining Technologies for the last Twelve years. Matt proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Matthew’s Navy family is extensive and was well loved by him. Matt loved to share stories of times in the service. He was a former Hull technician. He also worked summers at the fleet propeller shop in Fairhaven. He most recently volunteered welding on the Big Mamie Battleship BB59. His smile and banter warmed a room.
Matt loved his family dearly, especially his son; he loved teaching, especially coaching his freshman football team. Matt was extremely proud in the fact that he was involved in starting BHRTHS Rugby team. He enjoyed playing on Rugby travel teams throughout the area. Most importantly, he enjoyed going to the beach and camping with his beloved Beck. Always Forward & Hold Fast.
In addition to Rebecca and his son Matthew, he is survived by his brother Chris Siwik.
Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. A celebration of Matthew’s Life will be held in the near future. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com
Services
Celebration of Life at a Later Date
Memories
Matthew Jan Siwik
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ADD A MEMORYMaryellen Rash
December 29, 2020
The Rash family of Braintree would like to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to his family and closet friends!
Alan Fields
December 18, 2020
Love ya my brother and prayers go out to all family and friends! From the teak wood decks of the USS Prairie to the rugby fields with the Finlanders! Never forget the good times and the port calls. Never a dull moment when Matt was around. You’ll always be remembered shipmate!!
Jon Brooks
December 15, 2020
Mr. Siwik was truly a legend and will always be remembered as a man of many wisdoms! I had the pleasure of having him as my metal fab teacher at southeastern regional voc tech! There wasn't a day that it wasn't a life lesson! He most definitely was cut from the same clothe my grandfather was coming from the navy always having great stories and jokes and being neat and organized! He was almost like everyone's father in the shop making sure you weren't going loose a finger! And he wasn't afraid to set you straight either! Truly a man this world needs today! R.I.P Mr.siwik!!!
Scott Sylvia
December 15, 2020
I will always remember first day of 4th grade meeting Matt for the first time on the potter school bus. Everyone liked him right from the start. I was lucky to be able to call him my friend, God bless.
Mindy Molina-O'Leary
December 13, 2020
Thank you for the passion, love and respect you taught my son Gage. You were more then a coach and teacher and will be missed by many. May you rest in peace and may the memories you made with so many live for many years to come.
Donna Goodwin
December 13, 2020
How well I remember Matt from my Navy days aboard the U.S.S. Prairie! Matt was never without a smile , laugh or joke. Even when I was mess crankin' you could hear his laughter in the mess hall. He was in our office alot with our resident sports junkies PNCM Walsh and PN3 Davis, also left us way to soon. 30 years have passed since I have seen or talked to him but his kindness still serves sweet memories from all so long ago. I was shocked when I got the telephone call another shipmate was taken so soon. Rest in peace Matt and thanks for the memories of your laughter....fair seas my Navy brother! Give Toby a hug from all of us!
Bob Ward
December 13, 2020
To Matt,
Remembering the fun times when you and Chris lived on Sylvia St.
When your mother served delicious breakfasts and afterwards we'd play games or have fun with your toys.
Ciocia Barbara and I still enjoy looking at the beautiful plant stand you designed for us when you had Siwik Iron Works. It has given us much joy over the years.
Now you are with the angels.
Na Zdrovie Matt
Uncle Bobby
Rebecca Grace
December 13, 2020
Forever by my side ♥
PK Parkinson
December 13, 2020
We shared some great times shipmate. Not following some of life’s basic rules led us down some unforeseen paths. You will always pop up in my fondest memories.
PK
Ida Cialone
December 12, 2020
I remember Matt coming into the PN office, looking for PNCM Walsh to talk over baseball/football scores from the night before. PN2 Bryan Davis would pull up a chair and then, that is where the conversation went. Matt had a beautiful smile and always had something nice to say about people. He and his brother, Chris were some of the favorites onboard the USS Prairie AD-15. I remember great conversations with Matt about how big Texas was and what in comparison it had to Boston. He thought it was "cool" that I was a Boston Red Sox fan, and that I knew so much about the club. My condolences to his son, Chris and to the rest of the family. Heaven has gained an Angel and the world will surely miss that beautiful smile of his! Rest in Peace, Mattie....
ann bielawa
December 12, 2020
Ruth Marshman
December 12, 2020
Oh my friend,so sad to hear of your passing..we certainly had some great times...you always gave it your all no matter what it was... rest easy.
Jean Ashworth
December 12, 2020
I never knew matt, but I grew up with Walter and Helen. We were all close friends at o.l.p.h. CY O...I knew they had two sons. So sorry to hear of this tragic death. And of course we love and know Becca. Small world but big hugs. ❤️❤️❤️
Maria Perrin
December 12, 2020
Fair winds and following seas shipmate! So thankful I was able to see you and meet your beautiful fiancé before I left Massachusetts. Your smile, laughter and friendship will be missed. You were extremely talented and I’m grateful for the metal artwork you made for us. It will hold a very special place in our home. Until we meet again Matty ❤️
Gloria Politano
December 12, 2020
I met Matty in our Navy days while onboard the USS Prairie. I was immediately enamored with his infectious laugh and attitude! I don’t remember a time when he wasn’t smiling. He could light up any room. We subsequently were stationed together at SIMA/NRMF Long Beach and as I made my rounds, I would always stop at his shop and chat. We only talked a couple of times since those days, but it still hurts my heart that he is gone. I know he is up in heaven laughing and hamming it up with his buddies (Jim Briggs for one). I’ll have a toast to a great man that the world lost way too soon! Cheers Matty!
Scott Brooks
December 12, 2020
I've known Matt since the early 80's when we, at Dartmouth Suzuki, "adopted" him as our shop gopher. Matt-the-Rat, as he was fondly know, would wander in after school or on Saturdays and run (literally) to Barberos to pick up our lunch or empty our trash barrels. He was like everyones kid brother.
We managed to keep in touch over the years and I was always thrilled to run into him here and there (usually some place drinking was involved 😉). I have always been impressed by how much his students and his friends loved him, but can certainly see why.
At my age I'm beginning to loose many friends but the passing of Matt has struck me particularly hard. You will certainly by missed my friend.
Mark Hernandez
December 12, 2020
Matt. Approached me when we were both on the USS Prairie.
He wanted a brass Navy diver Plaque we manufactured in our shop.
I said , I would gladly trade you for a divers knife, Matt said no problem, Went and retrieved a divers knife, And we traded. Onboard ship, Matt was a true leader, And someone everyone looked up to,
Fair-winds Shipmate .
Deb Beane
December 12, 2020
My deepest sympathy on Matt's passing. His larger than life personality, winning smile and dedication and commitment to the students of Blue Hills will surely be missed. May he rest in peace, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Peter Teubner
December 12, 2020
I knew Mattie in the early days back when he was a spry young buck in the Navy. We were all a bunch of characters but Mattie was at another level. Something about Mattie that was different, not sure if it was the”wear the heart on the sleeve type person he was, his great sense of humor, his passion for fun or his great friendship but he was certainly one of a kind that attracted people to him. In the Navy he was great welder, leader and friend and even more so afterwards. I’m going to miss my daily Facebook jokes, funny quotes and just off the wall posts from him. Matt you will be greatly missed and for those of us lucky enough to have known you, we will keep your memories alive as we move forward in this life. Until next time we meet, love yah Brother
Todd Elliott
December 12, 2020
Before writing this, I read the other memories from friends and loved ones and it is so clear what an extraordinary man he was in everything he did. To me, he was a great buddy, a fellow coach, educator, and teammate. We both owned t-shirts and wore it proudly to classes: Education is Important. But Rugby is Importanter. Love you bro. Until we meet again.
Sharon LaCroix-Andersen
December 12, 2020
Firstly, my heart goes out to Rebecca, Chris, his son Matthew and all of his students. Matthew was in my life for a fun, loving and adventurous five years. During that time we skied, hiked, camped, and sailed together. One of my favorite memories is working on a 24' Bristol together. We put it in the water not even knowing it would float. We got stuck on sand bars, ripped the mast off while sailing, and once almost crashed into a dock of million dollar boats when a loose line wrapped around our propeller. On that day Matt said, "I am going to dive in and cut it loose!" He grabbed a huge knife to cut it off, equipped with a mask and snorkel (as everyone watched from shore) and jumped in! Within a second, he stood and the water was only about 3 feet deep. We laughed about that for some time! I will miss Matt's great sense of humor, intensity about living life, positivity and beautiful bright, wide smile! If there is anything his family needs, please reach out, we are all here for you. I have some beautiful pictures of Matt from those days and would be happy to pass them on to his family, fiancé or son. Life is so precious.
Daniel MacDonald
December 12, 2020
Matt its hard to put into words how sad we are Linda,Danny, Scott and myself have lost a Brother I know you are smiling as I struggle for words till we meet again I LOVE YOU BROTHER
Bruce Deslauriers
December 12, 2020
Men can be defined by how they impact the world around them. By that measure, Matty is beyond words. I am lucky and honored to have known him. You can hope the special people in our lives will be here forever.... but you gotta know the rules. Rest Easy Matt.
Joseph Sanchez
December 12, 2020
We met when Matt was taking a certification coaching course. Open , friendly person.
I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Matt, we always missed each other when he came up to Worcester.
He was a man who lead from he front. Letting his actions speak for themselves.
I once when down to his school . He showed me his shop, where the rugby club played. He beamed with pride about the club.
In rugby a great teammate is someone you know that was always going to be there to support and keep the ball going forward.
That was Matt off the field as well always in support and always going forward.
With You
Jeff Sperling
December 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Matt, and in many capacities- teammate, coach/referee, opponent, friend. Matt is one of those personalities that brighten the room, bring a smile to everyone’s face, and do so with no effort. I am not sure when I first met Matt, but he is someone I am proud to call a friend. Rest easy, brother.
John Saleda
December 12, 2020
Coach Siwik’s renowned raspy voice motivated and molded many fine young men. He taught them the skills to get through life’s scrums and instilled his fiery intensity in their hearts. He had the polished charm of a Navy man and his colorful presence on the sidelines was unforgettable. His impact will live on in his players hearts and continue to impact this world for generations to come.
Padraic McDonough
December 12, 2020
Once you met Matt you never forgot him! He was a real character. It was a pleasure to assist him in getting Blue Hills High rugby going. We will always remember him. Forward always Foreard! Rest In Peace my friend, until we meet again .
Aaron Rego
December 12, 2020
Matt, was a generous friend. His presence will be missed by the Rugby community of New England. Rest in peace.
Joseph Dolan
December 11, 2020
Matt was a caring, real, honest and passionate man.
The Milton High School Rugby team will always remember you as a friend.
Joe Dolan
Gene Mastro
December 11, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family. Matt was one of the great people I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know at BH. He proudly served his country and tried to make a difference in his students lives through sports and education. He will be missed & remembered. RIP brother
Nick DeSantis
December 11, 2020
Mr. Siwik was a great man. He taught me everything about stick welding and grinders. He never doubted you for a second. Every time you messed up he would always say “that’s ok” or “no problem, try again.” He made every ones day so much better when he would walk into the tech room and say a funny joke and a remark. It was the best way to start the day in metal fab. You will be missed by all, especially your students in metal fab. Rest easy Mr Siwik. Can’t wait to pound them back with you up there!!
Jared Daiute
December 10, 2020
Coach Siwik changed my life for the best. It was the summer going into my freshman year and I was weary about playing football and I told him that. He told me “you are to big to not be playing for me this fall”, so I signed up and he introduced me to a brotherhood that flipped my life around. He put us through hell and back and as much as i hated it in the moment I look back on it and miss every second of it. He knew how to bring a crew together and gave me memories and friends I will have for the rest of my life. He was a man who created men out of boys. We are all forever grateful for you and everything you’ve done for us coach.
Joe Danko
December 10, 2020
Dear Chris and Siwik family,
Our cousin Frannie K. just called our family to inform us of Matt's passing. We are heartbroken to hear that he passed away. I want to extend the condolences and deepest sympathies from the Worcester branch of the Siwik family, including: my grandmother Edna Slowatycki, nee Lewandowski (daughter of Bertha Siwik, your grandfather Walter Siwik Sr.'s sister); my mom Joan Danko, nee Slowatycki (granddaughter of Bertha and daughter of Edna); great aunt Anna Priestley, nee Lewandowski (daughter of Bertha Siwik and Edna's sister); and myself, Joey Danko (Bertha Siwik's great-grandson, Edna's grandson and Joan's son).
With love,
Your cousin Joey
Nina Wirta
December 10, 2020
Remembering him being always happy doing what he loves which was teaching his Metal Fabrication class on how to use certain tools and equipment. Seeing him at advisory meetings and always cracking a joke. He will be dearly missed by everyone. Praying for peace for the family that lost a great guy!
From the Wirta family we are praying that the family finds peace and strength in this tough time. Always remember that the BHR family sticks together and always has each other's back.
-Nina Wirta and Family
Gracanne Zenga
December 10, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. My condolences go out to his son and loved ones.
So sad..gone too soon. What a spirit Matt had.
Gracanne
jarrod drew
December 10, 2020
i remember every morning i would walk into shop he always said. good morning but he would say it in his goofy voice. me and so many people wouldn’t be where we are today with out him. never thought i’d hear the day come so soon. we were gonna race. his white car he bought off my brother and i remember everyday him say “ tell numb nuts to get me the title” he was a great man and an even better friend, instructor. there was just something about him i’ll never forget. rest easy big man.
Ed Catabia
December 10, 2020
To the Siwik Family,
Our Thoughts an prayers go out to the Family of Mathew Siwik.
Matt will be deeply missed, not only off the field but on the field. Matt loved to coach and loved to coach kids, where he coached Freshman Football and Head Coached the sport of Rugby . His time and passion will Eco on the fields he cherished. Matt's desire to start the Rugby program at BHR became to light because of Matt Siwik.
He deserves all the credit for this en devour and the BHR family will forever thank him.
Summer of 2019 the Rugby team was awarded the Sportsmanship award in the state of MA. A very prestigious Award.This award drove Matt to work harder to make the sport competitive, but at the same educational for his players
Rest In Peace, Coach Siwik
You will truly be missed
BHR Athletics
Tyrone Castillo
December 10, 2020
I remember going in freshmen year of football and Coach Siwik was a very fun, entertaining and most of all motivational Coach I will ever have. I will never forget him, He was my shop teacher from freshmen through senior year and was always one of the teachers to make me laugh and put a smile on my face. I will miss him very much I hope god watches over his family.
Anthony Graziano
December 10, 2020
I remember how he brought the best out of every single one of us as a player and as a person. Long speeches about how we need to show we want it more than the players on the other side. He wanted the best out of all of us. One of my favorite moments was when we played Southeastern freshman year and Coach never beat that team until we played them that day. Coach was so proud of us, he wanted that win so bad because he used to coach there. It was amazing. I will never forget Coach Siwik for everything he has done for everyone.
Kristine Manning
December 10, 2020
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Mr Siwik was my sons freshman football and Rugby coach at BHR. My son just graduated and is currently serving in the US Marine Corp. Mr Siwik played a huge role in his decision. He was a great mentor and I know my son looked up to him in so many ways.
Kristine & Aidan Manning
Ana Peach
December 10, 2020
My heart felt condolences. As a fellow teacher at BHR I had many opportunities to share time with Matt. His smile brightened the room and his enthusiasm was so contagious. The cow bells in the shop with the rock music blaring was so much fun and hearing the students talk about Mr. Siwik was the best. He will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Rest in Peace Matt!
Ana Peach
Marie Phinney
December 10, 2020
Mr. Siwik was my sons metal fab teacher and helped with his co op job, which 2 1/2 years later he still has and enjoys.
I enjoyed all the stories that came home from school in a week while in shop.
Definitely a guy full of life and humor.
Taken way too soon.