Marlborough – Donald “Don” Matchinski, 66, of Marlborough, died on Feb. 14, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of 31 years of Elizabeth (Warpula) Matchinski. He was born in Manistique, Michigan, the son of Leonard Matchinski of Kalamazoo, Mich. and the late Patricia (Archambeau) Matchinski.
Don attended Michigan Technological University on an ROTC scholarship. After earning his B.S in Geology, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He served honorably in the Army Corps of Engineers for 8-½ years, electing after discharge from active duty to work as a certified project manager in the information technology industry.
He began his civilian career in the Washington, D.C. area, where he met and married Liz, and they had their son. After moving his family to Marlborough 25 years ago, Don worked for several companies in the Boston area before starting his own software consulting business.
He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Marlborough where he was a weekly communicant. He volunteered his project management skills as a member of the IC Church Restoration Committee following a serious fire in the church.
Active in Boy Scouts for the past 20 years, he served as the Committee Chair of Troop 303 in Marlborough until having to step down recently due to his illness. For his contributions to Scouting, he was awarded the District Award of Merit by Knox Trail Council in 2016. Don was also a member of Wayside Athletic Club in Marlborough for many years. He enjoyed skiing, cycling, hiking in U.S. National Parks, and traveling abroad.
Don’s life was one of self-sacrifice and love. He accepted everyone as they are and on their terms. He lived the virtues of love, faith, and charity. He had the love of the other that made the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him better for having known him.
Besides his wife and father, he is survived by a son, Ethan Matchinski and his wife Natalie Dignam, who currently reside in Canada; a brother, Corlin Gabriel of California; two sisters, Kathie Dunlap of Indiana and Linda Lamson of Washington; as well as his niece and his nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Milford Regional Medical Center, 20 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757; Marlborough Community Cupboard, 255 Main St., Marlborough, MA 01752; Immaculate Conception Parish Renovation Fund, 9 Washington Ct., Marlborough, MA 01752; or a charity of one’s choice.
