Matthew George Stimac, Jr., age 90, affectionately known as Matt and Jr. to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 at the Country Club Rehabilitation Campus in Newton Falls, Ohio after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on April 9, 1935, in Newton Falls, Ohio, Matt was the son of Mary Ardelji Stimac and Matthew Stimac. Matt's early years in Newton Falls and Darlington, Pennsylvania were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family, traditions associated with his Croatian heritage, the excitement of high school sports, where he shone as the captain of the East Palestine High School football team, and dancing, which was his passion. His love for playing football took him to Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio before he joined the U. S. Navy in 1956, where he served on the USS Wisconsin.
After being Honorably Discharged from the Navy, Matt's working life was as varied as it was impactful. Whether it was working at the Rockwell International bumper manufacturing plant in Newton Falls, ensuring clean water as a City of Newton Falls Water Department operator, maintaining quality standards as a Land O' Lakes lab technician, or nourishing inmates as a Trumbull County Jail cook, Matt's talents, work ethic and heart for community were evident to all who knew him. He retired as a craneman from Copperweld Steel in Warren, Ohio and continued volunteer activities with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton Falls, where he was a member over 60 years - working Bingo sessions for many years, the Knights of Columbus organization in Newton Falls - he was known for his white spaghetti at their spaghetti dinners, the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodges in Newton Falls and Youngstown, and the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals Booster Club.
Matt met his wife of 65 years, Lillian, at a Croatian bowling tournament where he saw Lil throw a ball and declared "he was going to marry that girl", and then he danced his way into her heart. Matt and Lil were avid dancers throughout their time together, whether it be at Kuzman's Dance Hall, Strossmayer Croatian Picnic Grounds, or even polka cruises to the Caribbean.
Matt's interests and hobbies were a reflection of his love for his Croatian heritage and the simple pleasures of life. A lifetime member and officer for Lodge 614 of the Croatian Fraternal Union in Newton Falls, he was also a dedicated volunteer cook for Lodge 66 in Youngstown. He loved sharing a toast of Slivovitz (Croatian plum brandy), bowling and playing cards with his friends, and just having a good conversation. An enthusiast of Polka music, Matt's rhythmic steps were a highlight at gatherings of the Penn-Ohio Polka Pals Booster Club, where he danced with anyone who needed a partner.
Matt's gardening talents and green thumb brought forth a bounty of magnificent garden vegetables for everyone to share - particularly giant tomatoes. His proficiency in building and fixing things was legendary, culminating in the construction of the family home—a labor of love supported by the generous help of relatives and friends. Matt's love for the outdoors was a constant throughout his life, finding solace and adventure in hunting and fishing.
Matt is survived by his wife Lillian; his son, Matthew J. Stimac; and daughter, Deanna Stimac (Earl Brass); his sister, Mary Ann Boyd; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mary Ardelji Stimac; and his brothers, Joseph P. Stimac and William Stimac.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Croatian Fraternal Union Scholarship Fund, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235.
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