Age 75, of Oakfield, died peacefully Friday afternoon May 25, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He had been battling the effects of an acute illness while his final wish of being back home was managed through the diligent work of RGH staff and HCR Home Care. He was born June 26, 1942 in Batavia, NY the eldest son of the late Ignace and Frances (Nicometo) Matla also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther (Wozniak) Matla in 2016 and a brother, Douglas Matla.
Wayne was proud to have served his country overseas in the Vietnam War as an MP for the US Army. Since that time he was always willing to lend a helping hand through the VFW when called upon.
Wayne worked as a plant manager for the former Yale & Towne Trojan Plant in Batavia until 1982, worked as a shipping manager for Rotork in Rochester and later retired through the US Gypsum Co. in Oakfield as a turbine operator/mechanic.
He had played part in the Oakfield-Alabama Little League as a coach and president. He was involved with Oakfield Cub Scouts and Webelos as a former den leader. He was always there to play any role that he was called on in support of his family and Oakfield youth sports.
After retirement he spent most of his time with family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Esther and rarely left her side through her final years. He was a simple man who enjoyed life through giving to others, possibly the man who initiated, "Giving You the Shirt off his Back." His home was always open to others and would greet you at the door with a cold Labatt's Blue in hand, he enjoyed early morning coffee and afternoon naps. He cherished the company of his loyal dog, enjoyed his ten year old shirt & jeans and the feel of flannel. His meticulous gift of woodworking and evening "dips" off the end of a remote dock into Canadian waters. Wayne was always the one to give a second chance and those that knew him loved him, those that did not eventually would.
Surviving is his son, Anthony Matla and daughter Nicole Samal-Matla both of Oakfield; brother, Greg (Ann) Matla of Rochester and sister, Diane Matla of Oakfield; uncle, Samuel (Sharon) Nicometo of SC; aunt, Rosemary Nicometo of Oakfield; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Dolan-Matla of Oakfield; grandchildren, Taylor & Alena Burr, Ayva & Eyon Matla; nephews, Grant (Rochelle) Matla, Dolan (Sophie) Matla, Patrick (Susan) Matla and Scott Matla along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wayne's family will be present from 6-8pm on Thursday May 31, 2018 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a Celebration of Wayne's Life will begin at 8pm. Memorials in his memory are suggested to HCR Home Care.
Please share your words of comfort with Wayne's family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.
THE FAMILY OF WAYNE J. MATLA IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
