The Honorable Judge Earl Henry Matz, Jr., 85, of Waterfall Rd. Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Schuylkill East in Pottsville.
Born on August 19, 1936 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Earl H. Sr. and Susan E. Kintzel Matz.
Earl was a 1954 graduate of Cressona High School and after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army. He joined the Army band while serving in Germany during the Korean War. He also served in Japan.
Earl was a Carpenter, Game Warden and ran in the election for sheriff of Schuylkill County.
Earl was a Magisterial District Judge for 25 years, retiring in 2001. It was work he loved to do and loved helping people.
He was a member of the Friedensburg Fish and Game, Friends of Sweet Arrow Lake in Pine Grove, Good Will Hose Co., in Schuylkill Haven, and the Masonic Lodge in Cressona. He loved to go to the casino and listen to Willie’s Roadhouse on XM radio.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 38 years, Ruth E. Schneck Matz; a sister, Joan Herb Ganas; and a step grandson Mark R. Shollenberger.
Surviving are a daughter, with whom he resided, Karen Shollenberger; two step sons, Richard Shollenberger and companion Wanda Everett, and Ronald Shollenberger, all of Pine Grove; a niece Sheri Herb and husband Rick Seiger of Stuart, FL; two step grandsons, Cory and wife Melinda Shollenberger, Jamie and wife Lorna Shollenberger, both of Pine Grove; and five step great grandchildren, Cameron, Kira, Jade, Bryce and Shayleen Shollenberger.
There will be a viewing on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family with Rev. Brian Beissel officiating. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Mark Shollenberger Scholarship Fund 103 School St. Pine Grove, PA 17963, in his memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com