Matthew Stanley Dykas, Sr.

Matthew S. Dykas, Sr. (Retired T.F.D.) 96, a lifelong resident of Taunton, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Taunton Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Victoria F. (Bednarz) Dykas and was predeceased by his companion, Eva Kulpa.

Born in Taunton, MA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Miga) Dykas.

Mr. Dykas was a 1939 graduate of Taunton High School.

He served his country proudly with the United States Navy during World War II. Matthew served aboard the USS Milwaukee and USS Quincy and participated in the invasions of Normandy and Okinawa. During his faithful service, he saw in the flesh, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill.

Matt was a member of the Polish American Citizens Club and was active in the Kolbe Guild. He enjoyed trapping, polka dancing, playing  the harmonica, polish music and baking, especially bran muffins. He was an excellent baseball player, playing for several champion teams, including the Taunton Youth, Holy Rosary, Taunton Twilight, and the Reed & Barton baseball teams. Matthew was also a big Boston Red Sox fan.

He is survived by two sons, Matthew S. Dykas, Jr., of Taunton, Richard P. Dykas, of California, Katherine M. Medas, and her husband, John, of Berkley, and Carol A. Gedgaudas, and her husband, John, of North Attleboro; six loving grandchildren, Christopher Dykas, Justin Medas, Andrew Medas, and his wife, Michelle, Olivia Gedgaudas, Jacob Gedgaudas, and Darcie Fisher, and her husband, Mike; three great granddaughters, Reagan Medas, Jillian and Carly Fisher; two nieces; one nephew, and his sister in law, Rosemary Dykas. Matthew was the brother of the late Theodore P. "Ted" Dykas (Ret. T.P.D)

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Matt's Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10:00 am, in the Holy Rosary Church, 80 Bay Street, Taunton. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Taunton. Visiting hours will be on Friday , April 13, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, in the SOWIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 69 West Britannia Street, Taunton. Handicap access is located on the west side of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Polish Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2996, Taunton MA 02780, in his memory, would be appreciated. For directions and online condolences, please visit: www.sowieckifh.com