Deacon remembered for spirituality, humility

    Deacon Paul Matukewicz, whose 23 years of service included the last 10 years at now-St. Bridget-St. Rose Parish in Omaha, died May 21. He was 71.
    A funeral Mass was held May 26 at St. Mary Church in Omaha, with entombment in the mausoleum at St. John Cemetery in Bellevue.
    Deacon Matukewicz founded the Bethany Funeral Home, and was president of the Polish Home of Omaha and past-president of St. John Cemetery.
    After his ordination in 1993, Deacon Matukewicz served at St. Francis of Assisi, Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph parishes, all in Omaha, before moving to St. Bridget Parish, which merged in 2014 with St. Rose Parish.
    His ministry included baptisms and assisting at Mass, visiting the homebound and “… whatever Father asked him to do,” said longtime friend and diaconate classmate, Deacon Jim Staroski.
    “He was a very spiritual and humble man, and was very generous,” Deacon Staroski said, giving to the poor and paying for things for the parish out of his own pocket.
    Father William Safranek, pastor of St. Bridget-St. Rose and St. Francis of Assisi parishes, said Deacon Matukewicz was very generous, kind and soft-spoken. “Everyone loved him. He was a very good servant.”
    Deacon Matukewicz was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two infant sisters, and sister, Babe (Bill) Vetock.
    He is survived by wife, Pat; sisters-in-law, Sis, Judy, Kathy and Tink; brother-in-law, Ed (Ginny) Smith; best friends, Ronald Stodola and Deacon James Staroski; nieces; nephews; other family and friends.