Michael Mathia

Michael Mathia, winter resident of Cottonwood, Arizona, summer resident of Mogadore, Ohio, and resident of Suffield Township for over 75 years, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2006, the day after celebrating his 88th birthday. He was born in Braddock, PA on March 15, 1918 to Vincent and Dora (Lenhardt) Mathia. He graduated from Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio, where he was a star athlete in football, track and field, and wrestling. Mike retired from Goodyear Aerospace after 36 years. He was extremely mechanically talented and taught his sons and daughter many technical skills. Mike was also known for making himself available to help his family and friends. Mike and his family operated a small family farm for many years in Sufflield Township. His hobbies included gardening and planting trees. He had a green thumb and was popular in the neighborhood for bountiful crops of blueberries and chestnuts. We will miss his witty sense of humor, the twinkle in his eyes, and his big smile. Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Mathia; his son, Robert Mathia; his brother, Vincent Mathia; his grandson, Tim Mathia; and his parents, Vincent and Dora Mathia. He leaves behind his sons, Mike Mathia, Jr. of Mogadore, Ohio and Vincent Mathia III with Roxy Andrade, of Dallas, Texas; his daughter, Margie Barr with Robert Shawley, of Cottonwood, Arizona; his step-daughter, Ann Corey with husband John, of Hemet, California; his sister-in-law, Helen Mathia of Mogadore, Ohio; his niece, Linda Anderson; and his nephew, John Mathia with family. He was also the adored grandfather of Dan Mathia, Rick Mathia, Ron Mathia, Vince Mathia IV, Ted Mathia, Tammy Mathia, Michael Mathia and Crystal Bush; as well as, 12 great-grandchildren. Donations can be made to: Northern Arizona Hospice, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, AZ, 86326. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com