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Y EXERCISE

YMCA mourns loss of board member

By Laura Musto Cowher

The Greater Pittston YMCA mourned the loss of Board Member Mike Matosky this week.

Matosky, 35, passed away Sunday morning, Sept. 20, after suffering a fatal heart attack.

“The Board of Directors and YMCA staff is shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mike,” said Tina Fisher, YMCA executive director. “Mike was a director at the YMCA for the past several years and he volunteered his time and talents in many ways.”

Matosky was co-owner of Color My World Inc. and Shirtificates.

He celebrated the opening of his new restaurant, AuRants, Duryea, the night of his death.

“He was a very accomplished entrepreneur, and he very willingly brought those talents to work for the YMCA,” said Michael Lombardo, board president.

“He helped us out tremendously with web design, marketing strategies and, perhaps most famously, the Sauce Wars contest at the Tomato Festival. I’m sure we will all be much honored to carry that tradition on in his memory."

Matosky served on the Fund Development committee at the YMCA and played a major role in the Development of Sauce Wars, hosted annually at the Pittston Tomato Festival by YMCA staff and volunteers. Matosky also designed the logo for the annual event.

“Even though he was knee deep in preparations for the restaurant opening, he was invaluable in making Sauce Wars a success for the Y again this year,” said Michelle Cassetori, board member. “I am honored to have known Mike and privileged to have worked with him. He was full of great ideas, was kind and generous with his time and talents. He brought energy and enthusiasm to the projects we worked on. I will miss him greatly.”

Matosky was laid to rest Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Evangelist Church. YMCA staff and children in the Childcare Department lined the streets of Pittston to honor Matosky during the funeral procession.

“It was an honor to know him,” said Fisher. “His memory will remain in our hearts.”