Augustin Daniel Matzo

In loving memory of Augustin Daniel Matzo

“Gus” Matzo was born on February 25, 1935 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a busy home, with five siblings, in which achievement was highly valued. Gus learned to play the violin, which he continued into his later years, excelled at gymnastics and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Upon graduation, he went to work for Standard Oil in Indiana, where he soon met and charmed the love of his life, Hilda. Three months after their first date they were married! (Who can resist James Dean good looks and a motorcycle?) Four baby girls soon followed, and the family moved to the metro-Detroit area, where Gus became one of the earliest employees of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Gus was passionate about many things. He had a very large organic garden before growing food organically was a “thing.” Neighbors learned to expect at least half a dozen zucchinis on their porch several times a summer. (Ask anyone from Orhan Avenue about the ladybug “storm” for a special anecdote!) Rebecca, Debbie, Dianna and Amanda all enjoyed harvesting raspberries in metal coffee cans during the summer. Schoolmates who came to visit were sometimes treated to a real show: Gus walking up and down the stairs on his hands! He encouraged his children to work hard and to do their very best at everything they tried. And he was always there to lend a helping hand.

Gus worked the majority of his career as an engineer and statistician at Ford Motor Company, where he was well respected. He earned his Master’s Degree in Statistics from Oakland University. At Ford, his sense of humor, intelligence and down-to-earth personality made him a favorite of young new engineers whom he was sometimes able to mentor.

As the years went on, Gus’s passions ranged from UFO’s (thanks to “Close Encounters”), analyzing stock market trends, growing azaleas and, most notably, enjoying his grandchildren. He spent countless hours with them, doing everything from grocery shopping, to teaching violin and weightlifting. His warmth seemed to blossom with each additional grandchild.

Gus’s death on August 9, 2022, has brought grief to all of his family members that are left behind. He is survived by his dedicated wife Hilda and two daughters, Deborah (Jonathan) Crocker and Dianna Matzo. Additionally, the following grandchildren already feel his absence: Noah, Joy, Hope, Mercy, Malachi & Ezra Crocker; Grace, Abigail, Moriah, Elijah & Josiah Calfin; Zachary Marano; and Andrew Matzo. He has been reunited with his two daughters that preceded him in death, Amanda Matzo Schut and Rebecca Matzo Marano, as well as his grandson, Ian Crocker.

Words cannot express how blessed we all feel to have known him in this life. We look forward to seeing him again when we are reunited in the presence of God. We are grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus, who makes this reunion possible.