Obituary for Leonard V. Matyia
On November 28, 2022, we lost the patriarch of our family, Leonard V. Matyia, a man who taught by example that anything is possible if you have the vision to see it and the will to do it. The fruits of his labor will live on for many years as his legacy lives on in our hearts and in the historic buildings he lovingly restored. Lenny, as he was known, passed away after a long battle with neuropathy. He was born in Rockville, CT. on June 10, 1934 to Bernice Lemek and Joseph Matyia (loving step-mother Aurora Matyia).
Sitting proudly atop a hill in Bolton, CT., is the historic William Hill House (c1670), which was painstakingly restored by Len and his wife of 62 years, Betty. More than a simple restoration, it was disassembled where it originally stood in East Hartford, CT., and then transported and reassembled piece by piece in Bolton. An enormous feat that was truly a labor of love. He was passionate and vigilant in his work as an historic preservationist. Len's love and knowledge of early American architecture, carpentry, masonry, and landscaping gave him the ability to save this and many other remarkable pieces of history from decay.
After high school, Len proudly served his country in the Navy. From there he went on to become a systems analyst and computer programmer for NCR and LEGO. At age 50, he became a commercial real-estate broker, which he did for 36 years. His last commission was received at the age of 88. He never stopped working.
As much as he fought to stay, he leaves behind his wife Betty, his daughters Carol Beinfield, Joan Matyia, Meg Matyia, their respective husbands Bruce Beinfield, David Dunn, and Mark Hunt, his grandchildren, Keith Dunn, husband Derek, Jayme Dunn, her fiance Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Oliver Hunt. He also leaves a step-brother Donald Girard. He was predeceased by his cherished son Chris, his brother Albie, and his dear friend Bill Zinchuk.
While he put everything into his work, nothing came before his family. He adored his wife and children and they were in great part the reason he worked as hard as he did. No obstacle was too big, no challenge too great. His heart knew no bounds and he leaves a gaping hole in all the lives he touched. He continues to inspire us to dig deep into our own hearts as we navigate the world ahead. We will miss him every day.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Orris, The Veteran's Administration, Honorable Hearts, and Masonicare Hospice.
There are no calling hours per Len's request. There will be a grave side service with military honors at the Bolton Center Cemetery Saturday December 3 at 11 AM. Arrangements provided by Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Protectors of Animals, Tunnels to Towers, or Wounded Warriors.
Sitting proudly atop a hill in Bolton, CT., is the historic William Hill House (c1670), which was painstakingly restored by Len and his wife of 62 years, Betty. More than a simple restoration, it was disassembled where it originally stood in East Hartford, CT., and then transported and reassembled piece by piece in Bolton. An enormous feat that was truly a labor of love. He was passionate and vigilant in his work as an historic preservationist. Len's love and knowledge of early American architecture, carpentry, masonry, and landscaping gave him the ability to save this and many other remarkable pieces of history from decay.
After high school, Len proudly served his country in the Navy. From there he went on to become a systems analyst and computer programmer for NCR and LEGO. At age 50, he became a commercial real-estate broker, which he did for 36 years. His last commission was received at the age of 88. He never stopped working.
As much as he fought to stay, he leaves behind his wife Betty, his daughters Carol Beinfield, Joan Matyia, Meg Matyia, their respective husbands Bruce Beinfield, David Dunn, and Mark Hunt, his grandchildren, Keith Dunn, husband Derek, Jayme Dunn, her fiance Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Oliver Hunt. He also leaves a step-brother Donald Girard. He was predeceased by his cherished son Chris, his brother Albie, and his dear friend Bill Zinchuk.
While he put everything into his work, nothing came before his family. He adored his wife and children and they were in great part the reason he worked as hard as he did. No obstacle was too big, no challenge too great. His heart knew no bounds and he leaves a gaping hole in all the lives he touched. He continues to inspire us to dig deep into our own hearts as we navigate the world ahead. We will miss him every day.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Orris, The Veteran's Administration, Honorable Hearts, and Masonicare Hospice.
There are no calling hours per Len's request. There will be a grave side service with military honors at the Bolton Center Cemetery Saturday December 3 at 11 AM. Arrangements provided by Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Protectors of Animals, Tunnels to Towers, or Wounded Warriors.