FORT EDWARD

John A. Matochik, Jr. D.V. M. “Doc”

Dr. Matochik was born in Glens Falls Hospital on August 22, 1927 to John and Marge (Breechin), Sr. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church of Fort Edward where he served as an usher and a Eucharistic minister. He was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member of Council #336 of Fort Edward.

He was raised on the family dairy farm where he was taught the values of doing chores, long hours of hard work and responsibility to man and animal.

For three years he attended a one-room school house. Doc attended the Fort Edward High School where he played the violin in the orchestra, ran the quarter mile and was chosen to attend Boy’s State.

Following High School Graduation-Class of 1945, he enlisted in the Regular Army and served in Japan. Returning home from Japan with the gift of the G.I Bill of Rights he applied to Cornell University and was accepted in the College of Agriculture. After two years he was accepted in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. While at Cornell he married Sarah Mahar of Rensselaer, N.Y. They were blessed with two sons- John and Michael.

He always was pleased that he chose to come back to his home town of Fort Edward to practice his profession which lasted over 40 years of treating “All Creatures Great and Small, the Lord God made them all (James Herriot)”.

Doc was predeceased by his parents, his sister Betty (Bedard), brother Robert and Doc’s wife Sarah, following 26 years of marriage.

Later he married Magdalena (Maggie) Cox. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in May. Doc’s family grew by one step-daughter and three step-sons.

Doc belonged to local, state and national Veterinary Associations and was president of the Capital District Association. For years he served as a chairman of the Ethics Committee. On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the New York State Veterinary Association he received the “Silver Medallion” for outstanding service. In 2003 he was bestowed the honor of “Veterinarian of the Year” followed by receiving the distinguished “Life Service Award” in 2008.

Dr. Matochik has served the youth of the area for over half a century using the principles, laws and oath the Boy Scouts of America as his trusted guide. He was president of Mohican Council from 1974-1988.

In 1967 he led 36 Boy Scouts across America to the Great School of Adventure called Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He was vice president of the northeast region. He loved to go to the Catholic Scout Retreat each fall in Auriesville, N.Y. He received 2 Catholic Scouting awards- The Pelican and the St. George (Patron Saint of the BSA) medals.

In 1969 Doc was presented with the highest council recognition- “The Silver Beaver”. He is a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow. He was given the Indian name- “Allumkikehuwet” which is interpreted as “HE WHO HEALS”.

Doc and his wife are members of the James E. West Society. They are most proud of their 5 Eagle Scout sons.

With the merger of Mohican Council into Twin Rivers, Doc sat on the Executive Board and was Chairman of the Planned giving Committee.

Doc was also interested in the well being of our senior citizens and the residents of our local nursing home. For over 40 years he has served as a trustee on the Fort Hudson Nursing Home Board. He was chairman of the fund drive that made possible the Sandy Hill dementia unit. He was president of the Fort Hudson Foundation. His greatest joy was bringing Holy Communion to all the residents of Fort Hudson on Sundays. He was very saddened when he could no long do this Spiritual Work of Mercy. He knew everyone by name and they all would say “here comes Doc”. In 2010 the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging honored Doc with the “Trustee of the Year” award.

Doc also was a member of the Glens Falls National Bank Advisory Board. He was the very first recipient of the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce- “J. Walter Juckett Award” for community service. Doc served Glens Falls Hospital as a member of the Board of Governors for 12 years, 4 of which were spent as chairman. He has served on many committees. At present he was a member of the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation. He and his wife, Maggie are strong supporters of our local hospital.

Other endeavors Doc has been a part of include the American Cancer Society, Red Cross (blood donor), Life-Line responder, Adirondack Samaritan Council, Fort Edward Lions Club, Fort Edward Historical Society, American Legion Post 1, Washington County Humane Society, Tri County United Way, and the Congressman Jerry Solomon Scholarship Committee.

Doc was an avid reader of history, loved his flower gardens (day-lilies), enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and loved to call his friends on the phone especially at Christmas and Easter. He also enjoyed telling a story and his jokes were always appropriate for the occasion.

Doc is survived by his wife Maggie; his sons- Dr. John Matochik of Laurel, MD; Michael Matochik and his wife Marabel of Sanford, NC; his step-children- Dr. Catherine Cox of Fort Edward; Patrick Cox of Coventry, CT; Michael Cox and his wife Sally of Arvada, CO; Dr. Thomas Cox and his wife Dr. Narra Cox of Madison, WI; his grandchildren- Dr. Robert Cox of Charlottesville, VA; Brandon Cox, Esq. and Reed Cox of Madison, WI; his two favorite granddaughters- Susan Cox of Brooklyn; and Lynn Cox of Arvada, CI; and also members of the Sarah Mahar family.

Friends may call from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Friday July 19, 2013 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828. To view Doc’s Book of Memories and to post online condolences for the family, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am Saturday July 20, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Church, Fort Edward, with Father Thomas Babiuch, pastor, officiating.

The Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward.

Memorial donations in Doc’s name may be made to the Fort Hudson Foundation, 319 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828; Glens Falls Hospital Foundation 100 Park Street Glens Falls, NY 12801; Twin Rivers Council, BSA 253 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany, NY 12205; or to the charity of one’s choice.

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