Matthew G. Stimac Jr. 1935-2026

Born April 9, 1935, in Newton Falls, Matt was the son of Mary Ardelji Stimac and Matthew Stimac.

Matt’s early years in Newton Falls and Darlington, Pa., 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, 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 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 — where 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, Pa. 15235.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls. Following visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Parish, with Rev. Zachary Coulter as celebrant. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary Cemetery in Beaver Falls, Pa.

Visit www.borowskimemorialhome.com to send condolences.

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