Matthew S. Lepovich

Matt was born on January 15, 1937 in Claysville, PA to Matthew G. and Anna Dziorney Lepovich. He worked hard from the time he was a kid, helping his father construct and run a motel and diner in Claysville and working with his mother in the diner. That's where he learned to cook, from his mother at the diner.

He never fell far from his Claysville roots, often travelling back there for class of '54 reunions and having dinner with his high school friends.

Matt came to Buffalo, he met and married Patricia Kobielski on May 18, 1957, joined the military, moved to Spokane, Washington and returned to Buffalo a few years later. Matt retired from the Erie County Sheriff's Department after 30 years of service in all facets of law enforcement (from patrol, the jail, undercover, narcotics, Internal Affairs, you name it he did it). He also worked part time at Lakeland Automotive, painted houses in the summer and worked other part time jobs to provide a good life for his family. Matt was very active at All Saints Church and the former St Florian Church, running Bingo, many fundraising events, served as lector, Eucharistic Minister and parish administrator. Friends and family lovingly referred to him as the Pope. His Catholic faith laid a solid foundation for how he lived and loved. And that is saying something for a convert to Catholicism.

Matt will be missed by his wife and partner of 66 years, Pat. They balanced each other out; loved, fought and weathered a lot of storms, always together. He is the greatest Dad to Matt and Chris who frequently tested his patience as all kids do with their parents. He was the best role model as a husband and father. Matt loved his "girls" Dina and Patti, who adored him as a father in law.

His pride and joy were his five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He never missed a game, play, recital or an opportunity to cart them around or to bail them out of trouble, particularly the twins. He was proud and thrilled to watch them grow up, find their life partners and share every aspect of their lives with him. Brad and Morgan, Brett and Deanna, Scott and Bridget, Claire and Josh, Lauren and Jake were his life and inspiration. And great grandchildren, Riley, Hannah, Nolan, Eli and Theodore, added to the delight he experienced as a grandfather. We will never miss a chance to share "Papa" stories with the kids.

Matt was the best brother in law to Jack and Marilyn Sussman and the late Ted and Phyllis Chmiel. Matt was an only child however he couldn't have asked for better siblings than Pat's sisters and their husbands. He was a loving uncle to the three Chmiel boys; Phil, Eric and Jen, Ted and Jackie and their children, He was the devoted son in law to the late Ted and Helen Kobielski.

Matt will be loved and missed by a wide circle of friends whom he cared for and considered family. These friends were so thoughtful to telephone or visit the house the last six months and particularly during the last week of his life. Their support was a blessing for the entire family.

He'll be missed by the family dogs (and one cat) and every dog in Kenmore; there was never a shortage of petting, treats and cookies when Matt was around.

Matt was greeted in heaven by all those who went before him. He's now taking care of them like he took care of everybody on earth. We look forward to seeing him again. For many years Matt endured multiple health issues and illness with grace, strength and a positive attitude. His replacement parts and amazing ability to recover made him the "bionic man". Thankfully, he's now pain and illness free.

Matt did not want a wake. He wanted to keep things low key and simple.  A memorial Mass is being planned;and will be announced in the near future.

Thanks to Hospice Team 4, especially Kaitlyn, Maria, Barb, Coco, Nicole, the Doctors,Tom and anyone else from Hospice we forgot to mention. Your support and care was beautiful; we are thankful to you all for helping Matt and the rest of the family transition to the next chapter.

One last thing, love your family, pet a dog or cat, do something nice for someone, call a friend, go to Church.  Matt would want you to!