Matthew Kierys Sr.

Waterford — Matthew Walter Kierys Sr., 80, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. He was predeceased by his son, Matthew Jr.

If there was a chess match going on today, you can be sure that Matthew Kierys would have been a noble contender. Not only did he love the game of chess, he taught all of his children and anyone else willing to learn. Reading history books was one of his greatest passions. This inspired him to enlist into the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

His next big jump in life was into the front seat of a 1960 Ford Falcon where he met the love of his life, Diane “Butch” Sousa. During their almost 59-year marriage he taught his family to be loving, faithful and compassionate. Throughout this commitment of their enviable marriage, he supported his family of six by working several jobs. These include Sheffield Tube, The Coca-Cola Company, Pfizer, the USPS, R.R. Donnelly and Sons, and a correctional officer for the State of Connecticut. They bought their first new home together in Montville, where they had their four children, Debra, Matthew, Michael and Dawnlyn. Matthew moved his family to Old Saybrook for many years, while eventually settling in Waterford. He found First Baptist Church of Waterford and later Stedfast Baptist Church of Groton to be his second families. Some of his favorite places included the Bookbarn, Book Trader and casinos. His favorite family vacation spot was upstate New York.

Matthew was a soft spoken, kind hearted, patient and gentle soul who was strongly dedicated to his family and in his beliefs in the Lord. He will be forever missed by Debbie and Jerry Collett of Waterford, Michael and Melinda Kierys of Norwich and Dawnlyn and Ted Begun of Colchester. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Sheri-Ryan and Kevin Benevides, Jeremy Collett and Faith Gilligan, Marilyn Quinn, Chris Collett and Blaze Wiersch, Matthew and Samantha Marinelli, Stephanie and Eric Cummings, Amanda and Dillan Miller, and Taylor Begun. He was loved by his nine great-grandchildren, Chance, Callan, Hayden, Sebastian, Travis, Christian, Cade, Rhylan and Madison.

Although he is physically done on earth, the seeds he has planted will grow for years to come. His family would like to thank the staff at Lawrence + Memorial unit 6.2 for their wonderful and supportive care.

Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Stedfast Baptist Church, 256 North Road, Groton.