Thomas Matulin

Thomas Matulin, 90, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on September 29, 2021 to join his Lord and Saviour. Tom was born in Akron, OH on August 4, 1931 to the late Steven and Mary Matulin. At 16 years of age, Tom joined the army using his brother Mike's name and went on to join the 82nd Airborne, jumping out of planes before he even had a driver's license. After completing his service, Tom returned to Akron and began working for the Ford Motor Company in Walton Hills. A co-worker and his wife, Sonny and Faye Swisher, introduced Tom to Faye's co-worker at the telephone company, Tildy Horvath. Tom and Tildy were married on June 27, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church in Akron. God blessed them with three daughters that they raised in Cuyahoga Falls. Tom has been a member of Zion, Redeemer, and Tallmadge Lutheran Churches during his lifetime. Tom retired from Ford in 1994 to begin his new chapter as Grandpa to his growing family. He enjoyed annual visits to Ocean Isle Beach with the family, a summer tradition that started in 1979. This past summer was extra special for Tom; after the beach trip to OIB, he attended his granddaughter Elizabeth's wedding, and celebrated his 90th birthday with his daughters, grandchildren, brother-in-laws and nephew. Tom loved his family and was a good friend and neighbor, always the first in line to lend a helping hand. He adored all of his dogs through the years and will be greatly missed by his dog and his grand-dogs. He was no longer a driver, but he was a great co-pilot, always ready to hit the road. He rarely missed a Saturday trip to Chick-Fil-A and enjoyed occasional trips to Dilly's Drive In for a cheeseburger, french fries, and onion rings.

Preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Mike, Steve, Chuck, and George; his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Elizabeth Horvath; and grandson, Zachary Taylor. Tom will be deeply missed by his family who survives him. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Tildy; loving father of Laurie Matulin of Cuyahoga Falls; Leigh (Jamie) Jennings of Stow; Leslie (Jeff) Taylor of North Canton; cherished grandpa of Elizabeth (Chris) Tremblay of Hudson; Megan Jennings of Arlington, VA; James V and Joseph Jennings of Stow; and Alyssa Taylor of North Canton. Tom also leaves his brother-in-laws, Jim Horvath and Tim (Pat) Horvath and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 11 am-12 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2141 Fifth Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. A funeral service will begin immediately following visitation at noon, officiated by Pastor Keith Johnson. He will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. If you wish to make a donation in Tom's name, please consider a church, a Veterans group or One of a Kind Pet Rescue at 1929 W Market St., Akron, OH 44313.

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.