Obituary of Toma (Tom) Matkovic

MATKOVIC, Toma (Tom)

A golden heart has stopped beating. With broken hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Toma (Tom) Matkovic on Aug 21st, 2024 in his 83rd year. Beloved husband to Zlata (Goldie) with whom he celebrated 55 years of blessed marriage. Loving father (Tata) to his three beautiful daughters, Mary (Chris), Carolyn (Olivier), and Suzana. He was a cherished and proud Dido to Morrissey, Tomas, Nicolas, Hugo and his angel Luca; they were his pride and joy.

He will be missed by his family in Croatia, his beloved brother Ivan (late Marija), sister Iva (late Mate), Brother-in-law Mijo (Snjezana), and their families; pre-deceased by his parents Mirko and Mara, sister Manda (Ljubo), and Brother-in-law Josip (Branka) of Croatia and Marica (Frank) of Oshawa, ON. Dearly missed by his extended family in Canada, his Sister-in-law Mira (late Frank) and their late dear son Frankie, Diana (Aaron), Nikola (Ankica), and their families. Special thanks to cherished neighbours and friends, turned family, the Stewarts, Eastmans, Farrars, Bruscos and Eleks.

Tom was born in Medov Dolac, Croatia in 1941 and immigrated to Canada in 1966, first settling in Oshawa where he and Goldie were married in 1969, later moving to Windsor that same year. He retired after 30+ years of dedicated service with Chrysler Canada. He was a member of CAW Local 444, St. Francis of Assisi Croatian Church, and the Croatian National Sports Club. You could frequently find him BBQing at Croatia park. If you enjoyed any pecanje, there’s a good chance he BBQ’d it. He happily did so for many banquets, picnics, and weddings. He planted many trees in Croatia park; think of him as you enjoy the shade, a walnut, or a plum. Aside from his grandsons, his other joy was his backyard full of figs, grapes, and fruit-bearing trees. He was a master at grafting different tree species together. If there was an open spot in the yard, a plant would flourish.

Heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and healthcare aides who took exceptional care of Tom. Friends will be received at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519.253.7234 on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Parish prayers Sunday at 7pm. Funeral service on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 9:00am from the funeral home then to St. Francis of Assisi Croatian Catholic Church (1701 Turner Rd., Windsor) for Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy and in honouring Tom's life, memorial donations may be made to Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, St. Francis of Assisi Croatian Catholic Church, or the Croatian National Sports Club. Condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com