Shrewsbury – John M. Matraia, 82, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Northborough, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2023 with his loving family by his bedside.
He leaves and will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine A. “Geri” (Maloney) Matraia; their children, Lisa M. McAulay and her husband Patrick, of Shrewsbury, and Michael T. Matraia and his wife Rita, of Northborough; grandchildren, Nicholas M. Panagiotou, of Boston, First Lieutenant Connor O. McAulay, of Benson, NC, Ryan P. McAulay, of Shrewsbury, John M. Matraia, II, of Boston, and Gabriel D. Matraia, of Northborough; and a brother, Michael L. Matraia, of Howard Beach, NY.
John was born in the Bronx, NY to the late Michael and Elizabeth (Totaro) Matraia. He was a graduate of Fordham University, where he received a B.A. in Economics in 1962. John later received a M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption University in 2001.
John was President of Vanguard Executive Services Inc. in Shrewsbury, which he co-owned and operated for 35 years with his wife Geri.
He loved music and volunteered at WICN (90.5) Radio Station in Worcester, where he hosted a Friday afternoon show featuring music from the “American Songbook,” enjoyed by many. He also taught English as a second language.
John was a dedicated member of his community and was elected to the Board of Selectman and before that the Northborough School Committee. He worked tirelessly to improve the town’s infrastructure, schools, and public services.
John and Geri enjoyed spending winters in Florida for many years.
John was a man of the highest integrity, who loved his family beyond measure and had an enormous influence on all of their lives through his love and wisdom. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shrewsbury Public Library. https://splfriends.weebly.com.
Funeral services were held privately. The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home is honored to be assisting with arrangements.
