Matthew C. Matzkin

SOUTHBURY-Matthew C. Matzkin of Southbury, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, a native and 75-year resident of Waterbury and the proprietor of longtime downtown landmark Matzkin's Furniture Co., died June 1 at the age of 79.

Matthew was born in Waterbury May 14, 1936, to Emanuel and Jean (Madnick) Matzkin. He attended Crosby High School, graduating in 1954. He later graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with an engineering degree, following which he worked as a high school math and physics teacher in Pittsfield, Mass.

Matthew later joined the family business that was begun by his grandfather, Abraham Matzkin, eventually taking over management from his father and uncle, Sidney ("Zelig") Matzkin. He ran Matzkin's Furniture until its closing in 1986, and then operated a smaller furniture business, Matzkin's Sit-N-Sleep Center, for a number of years. He eventually went to work as a salesman for Bob's Discount Furniture when it was a new chain, helping the new company to grow and succeed with his decades of experience in the furniture business.

For many years Matthew was active in Beth El synagogue when it was located on Cooke Street in Waterbury. He served a term as President of Beth El, and was the recipient of the prestigious Shem Tov Award, which was given during each year's Cantor's Concert to persons deserving recognition for their dedication and work on behalf of Beth El.

In the last few years Matthew had been active in organizing yearly reunions of his Crosby '54 class, and one of his most gratifying activities was attending Crosby graduation each year to award a graduate a scholarship from the class of '54.

Since relocating to Heritage Village in Southbury in 2010, Matthew had been very active in the social scene, including starting a billiards club and becoming a member of several highly competitive contract bridge clubs.

Matthew was married for more than 51 years to Carolyn (Sigal) Matzkin, with whom he had two children: Nancy Natelli of New York City, and Bruce Matzkin of Yerevan, Armenia. In addition to his wife and children, Matthew is survived by one sister, Marian Katz of Middletown; one uncle, Bert Madnick of Westbrook; one aunt, Rose Coshak of Southbury; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his son-in-law Anthony Natelli IV, his daughter-in-law Gayane (Kirakosian) Matzkin, and his pride and joy, granddaughter Mia Cassidy Natelli, who brought a special brightness to his life over the last eleven-plus years. He was predeceased by a sister, Deborah Surkis.

The funeral for Matthew will be Wednesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Alderson Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Avenue (off West Main Street),. Burial will be in Hebrew Benefit Cemetery, Stillson Road, Waterbury. A Shiva Minyan will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 124 South Pomperaug Avenue, Woodbury. In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of Matthew's family that donations in his name be made to the charity of the donor's choice.