Loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph Bernard Matuella, 95, of Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Jacqueline V. Stabinger Matuella. On January 11th, they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Born in Ebervale on May 3, 1927, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Helen C. Lipinski Matuella.

On April 19, 1945, at the age of 17, Joe enlisted in the Navy for the duration of WWII. During his service, Joe worked his way up from an apprentice seaman to a coxswain. He was assigned to the USS Coronis (ARL-10) in the Pacific Theater, driving landing craft vehicles to shore. His secondary jobs included plane spotting, and as a gunner. He witnessed Kamikaze attacks on nearby ships and walked on the ground at Hiroshima after “Little Boy” did its worst. Joe was honorably discharged on August 1, 1946, having served one year, three months, and thirteen days. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal.

After his discharge, Joe completed mechanic schooling but then decided to enlist in the Pennsylvania State Police, on July 2, 1951. During training at the Academy, he was handpicked by Major Thomas L. Martin, to participate in the PSP Rodeo. He was a member of the acrobatic team, and on his horse, “Sport,” he participated on the mounted drill team, as well as many parades and other events. He worked with the K-9s, “Bye” and “Frosty,” bringing safety programs to school children.

Throughout his career, Joe worked at the Academy, and the Computer Center in Hershey, NCIC in Harrisburg, Initial Reports, and Firearms at DHQ in Harrisburg. He retired as a Corporal on December 3, 1983, having served 32 years, 5 months, and 1 day.
In his spare time, and after his retirement, Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, model trains, (American Flyer), and carpentry.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children June M. (Ken) Nelson, Janet M. (Adam) Warner, and Joseph (Mary) Matuella. Joe had seven grandchildren, Jonathan and Alex Nelson, Tess (Sam) Heller, Kylie (Dakota)Perez, Luke Warner, Joseph Matuella, and Rebecca (Scott) Kennedy; and six great-grandchildren, Joseph and Dominic Matuella, Levi Heller, and Wyatt, Asher, and Harper Perez.

He was preceded in death by his brother Theodore Matuella, and sister Margaret M. Jugan.

A private memorial service will be held at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, Jonestown, officiated by Fr. David M. Hereshko, of Mary Gate of Heaven Church, Myerstown. He will be inurned at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, receiving recognition for his service, from both the US Navy and the Pennsylvania State Police honor guards.