Mr. Matthew F Komatz, Jr., age 91, passed to his eternal reward on Thursday, January 16th in Ormond Beach, Fl. Matt was born March 21, 1922 in Farmington, IL and moved with his family in 1925 to West Allis, Wisconsin. He graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1941. In April of 1952 he moved his family to Florida, first living in New Smyrna Beach, then Daytona Beach, and finally Ormond Beach. A man of deep faith, he was active in his parishes all his life, and was instrumental in the first building of Sacred Heart in New Smyrna Beach and Prince of Peace in Ormond Beach where he was active in the annual Octoberfest since it began. When he passed, he was on his way to a rehearsal for the parish Talent show at which he was to deliver his famous trademark jokes. His seasonal letters of jokes sent to many relatives and friends were greatly anticipated and much enjoyed. Matt was a retail furniture salesman for 25 years until his retirement. He loved flower gardening and child care, assisting his wife, Kathleen at their home day care center, after his retirement, for many years. He enjoyed travel, especially family trips which continued throughout his life and as recently as a year ago. He had been to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. Rarely did he have an unkind word for anyone, the worse insult being, "You are a billygoat!" Because of this expression, people gave him billy goats as keepsakes, a collection which grew so large it threatened to take over the house. On trips, billy goats were always pointed out to him. On his front door was a sign, "living here is one beautiful woman and an old billy goat!" The eternal optimist, he often said, "Life has been good to me, I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and three children in whom I can be proud." He was sharp of mind to the end, reading two to three books a week, outside of football season, at which time he was glued to the t.v. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched, especially his children, and the many children he cared for over the years, many of whom, including their parents, would visit him as recently as a month ago. Matt was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathleen; his parents, Matthew Sr. and Fanny (Stephanie), his sisters Ann (Buchanan), Rose (Kramer), and brother Ernie. He is survived by his children, Rev. David Komatz, O. Praem, St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, Constance Komatz, Ormond Beach, FL and Kristine Komatz, Ormond Beach, FL, his brothers Joseph Komatz and spouse Mary Lou, Huntington Beach, CA, Edward Komatz and spouse Sue, Friendship, WI and sister, Louise Wallner, and spouse Marvin, Friendship, WI. Viewing will be at Prince of Peace Church, Ormond Beach, FL from 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 A.M on with Rev. David Komatz, O. Praem. presiding. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery after the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local chapter of the American Heart Association 1500 Beville Road, Suite 606, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Phone: (800) 257-6941 ext. 8107