Matthew J. Oreskovich

Oreskovich - Matthew J., 95 Geistown, passed away October 3, 2017 at Richland Woods where he resided for 9 years. Born October 22, 1921 in the Cambria City neighborhood of Johnstown, son of the late John and Agnes (Buckovich) Oreskovich. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Jane (Jaklevich), January 7, 2006; grandson, Bryan John Oreskovich; sisters, Amy Tegley, Dorothy Haynal, Genevieve Voytas; brothers, William and John "Butch" Oreskovich, and their spouses; special brother-in-law Steve Slobozien. Matthew was the oldest and last surviving member of his immediate family. Survived by his loving children, Matthew J. and fiancée Joy M. Jordan of Las Vegas, NV; Janet M., wife of Richard P. Horvath of Johnstown; Joyce A., wife of Roger Hellyar-Brook of Brunswick, Maine; Robert W. of Dunedin, FL; Richard J. and wife  Kimberly (Kern) of Auburn, WA; and grandchildren, Corey and Mark Oreskovich, and Kevin Oreskovich married to the former Samantha Cohen; Gregory Horvath married to the former Kimberlee Kennedy and Emily (Horvath), wife of Matt King; Harry O. Hellyar-Brook; Ashley Oreskovich and Kristin Talbot; and great-grandchildren Kooper Oreskovich, Calliope and Melina Horvath, Isaac  Oreskovich and Charlie King. Also survived by dear sister-in-law Ellen Slobozien, York, PA., special cousin Nick Subich of Johnstown, numerous loving nieces and nephews; special friends, Ed Troyan and Jack Bodenschatz, and the wonderful caregivers, staff and friends at Richland Woods Assisted Living. Matt was a 1939 graduate of Johnstown High School and enjoyed working on many class reunions over the years. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a second lieutenant, including 20 months in the European Theatre of Operations. Matt was awarded a WWII Victory Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Battle Stars. He also served in the PA National Guard Corps of Engineers during the Korean War, serving 22 months of active duty as Personnel Officer with the 1902 Eng.  Aux. Battalion. Matt was a lifetime member of the Menoher Post #155 VFW, Western Post 954 Catholic War Vets, and the American Legion Post #849. He was also a lifetime member of the Croatian Hall in Cambria City and the SNPJ. Matt was an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1983. He and Jane built their first and only home on Churchill Street in Geistown, where they lived for 40 years and raised their five children until they were grown. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church for over 50 years, where he faithfully served as a Lector, Usher and member of the Resurrection Choir. Known to some as "Mr. Geistown", he held office for a short time as Geistown Mayor, was a Geistown Council member, and actively participated in the local Democratic Party for many years. Until recently he served for over 20 years as a Board Member of the Highland Sewer and Water Authority which he thoroughly enjoyed. Matt also volunteered at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital. He enjoyed having a lively conversation with anyone because, as he liked to say, he was “an extrovert.”  Matt was especially pleased when former policy holders and classmates of his children would recognize “Mr. Oreskovich” and say hello. Family was everything to Matt Oreskovich and he dearly loved us all.  He will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ellen, his many dear nieces and nephews, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Committal will be held at Grandview Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. The family suggests contributions be directed to St. Benedict Endowment Fund, 2310 Bedford Street, Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of Matt. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.