COL John V. Matonis (Ret.), age 73, lived in Willow Grove and died peacefully at Abington Hospital on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2017. With him were his wife Cynthia, neighbors and friends. Colonel Matonis served for 23 years in the U.S. Army. He volunteered for the Army in 1966. He served in Vietnam, in Long Binh, with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Upon his return from Vietnam he joined the U.S. Army Reserve serving with the 157th Separate Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) headquartered in Horsham, PA with subordinate units in Philadelphia and Eastern PA. Thereafter he served as Commander of the 4074th US Army Reception Bn, 76th Division. COL Matonis received various awards during his military career including the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
John was also a career banker working for several banks in the Philadelphia area: 1st Pennsylvania, CoreStates, First Union and Fleet Bank. John was also a Judge of Elections in Willow Grove. He also served on the Board of Directors of Cheltenham Art Center in Cheltenham. He was proud of his Lithuanian Heritage and was active in support of the Lithuanian Community in Philadelphia. John was a graduate of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. John was interested in landscaping, gardening, pottery making, Jewelry making as well as traveling. He also was an avid reader of politics, history, religion and fiction stories.
Survivors are his loving wife Cynthia, a sister Donna Trimakas and husband Ed of Mukilteo, Washington, a nephew Andrew Trimakas and wife, Cecilia,and a niece Lisa Thew and husband, Tim and children, Emma and Kit. John is predeceased by his parents Vytautas Matonis and Irene Matonis.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown PA.
In lieu of flowers the family request contributions should be sent in memory of John Matonis to Lithuanian Music Hall Association, 2718 Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134.
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