Obituary of Matthew Wozniak

Matthew Wozniak, age 59 of Seymour, beloved husband of Lynne A. Drugonis Wozniak, died peacefully on December 27, 2016 at the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Health. Born in Derby on July 6, 1957, he was the son of the late Martin D. and Adele Schmecker Wozniak. Mr. Wozniak was a longtime Seymour resident and graduate of Seymour High School where he excelled in athletics. He was the team captain of the football, basketball and track teams, as well as making All State in Football during his senior year. Mr. Wozniak held the Seymour record for the 220 yard dash, placing 1st in CT State Track Meet for the 220 yd. and 3rd in the 100 yd. dashes; as well as being a leading points scorer in football- playing wide receiver, punter and place kicker; and in basketball leading the team in points and rebounds. He was selected to play football in the Nutmeg All Star Game, 2 Basketball All Star Games, including the New Haven Tap Off Club by the CT Coaches Assoc. In November of 2016, Mr. Wozniak was inducted into the Town of Seymour Hall of Fame for his excellence in Football, Basketball and Track. He attended Boston College with a full football scholarship and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in music. A skilled musician, vocalist and songwriter, he wrote 100’s of songs throughout his lifetime and as lead guitarist, played in several area bands. Mr. Wozniak was a member of The Preservation Society of Newport County, RI for over 25 years and was a lifelong member of Three Saints Orthodox Church of Ansonia, where he sang bass in the choir, acted as the substitute choir director for 15 years, volunteered on the church council for 2 years and served as choir treasurer for 2 years. He worked as an accounts payable manager for Mitchell’s Auto Parts Inc. for 8 years, until the time of his illness. He will be long remembered for his gregarious personality, quick wit, integrity and kindness. In addition to his soulmate Lynne of 36 years, he is survived by a sister; Adele Koval of Naugatuck; nieces, Debra Koval, Daniella and Natalie Wozniak; three nephews: Richard, Michael and Robert Koval; his mother-in-law, Barbara Drugonis of Seymour; a dear family friend, Roxanne Ackerson of North Haven; as well as many cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by his 6 Shetland Sheepdog girls, Shilo, Shasta, Shelby, Shauna, Shuki and Shayla. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Richard Wozniak. Funeral services will take place on Friday, December 30, 2016, at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM in Three Saints Orthodox Church, 26 Howard Avenue, Ansonia. Interment will follow in Three Saints Cemetery, Seymour. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, December 29, 2016, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. At the request of the family, kindly refrain from wearing any type of fragrance, cologne or perfume due to a family member’s severe allergy. Memorial contributions to ensure the lifelong care and cohabitation of his 6 beloved Shelties can be made payable to Lynne Wozniak in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com