Traverse City – William "Billy" J. Matesowicz, Jr, 72, formerly of Lunenburg, MA, died at home on September 10, 2015, after a long illness of congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy. Born on June 19, 1943, in Fitchburg, MA to the late Elsie (Barholm) and William Matesowicz. He was a long time resident of the Lunenburg/Fitchburg area and recently located to Traverse City, MI to be closer to his 2 grandchildren.

Billy was a 1961 Fitchburg HS graduate, and was proud of his involvement in cross country track, identifying being a member of the 1960 FHS Cross Country Team that won the State Title as one of his greatest achievements. He was employed at Fitchburg Paper Company for 36 years, retiring in 2004 due to his cardiac condition. He was a former member of Teamsters Local #170, Fitchburg Paper Recreation Club, the Eastwood Club, the Finnish-American Club, and a former member of the US Army Reserves.

Billy had been an avid jogger, enjoyed sports trivia, and had a large collection of sports memorabilia. He was a fan of Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox, and Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed thoroughbred racing and attended the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. His hobbies included golfing, going to casinos, watching movies, and spending time with his many friends and relatives. He loved to travel and vacation with his family to many places, including Cancun, Jamaica, California, Washington, Kentucky, Florida, Kansas, and Arizona. His favorite vacation spot was "The Hideaway" at Billy Ward Pond, where he enjoyed being with family and friends.

Billy was a great conversationalist. He was one of the "Good Guys", a kind man always willing to help others. He leaves his beloved wife, Suzanne "Suzie" after 47 years of marriage; 2 daughters, Shari (Mike) Hintz of Traverse City, MI; and Cindy Sue (Stan) Wojdylak of Chandler, AZ. He adored his daughters and was proud of their achievements. He was "Pappa" to 2 grandchildren, Kinsey (8) and Matthew (6) Hintz, and loved watching them play and giggle together. He was often caught sneaking them M&Ms and watching Scooby Doo with them. He was fortunate to be able to take them to Disney World before becoming physically disabled. Billy also leaves 2 step grandchildren, Lea (Luke) Smolik and Justin Wojdylak.

He leaves his 2 brothers, Stephen of Baldwinville, MA and Michael (Iris) of Dixon, MO, and his cousin, Dickie Carlson of St. George, ME, who was like a brother; his cousin Catherine Valovick of Traverse City, MI, who was a daily support at the end of his life; his uncle, David Morley; his niece, Cheryl Testa, and nephews, Stevie and Wayne Brown; and other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-and brothers-in-law, and many close friends, including his best friends Bruce Maki and Eddie Meyer. He will be sadly missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents; an infant son, Scott; and his sisters, Kathy Brown, and Donna Matesowicz.

A memorial service will be held Monday, September 21st at 6pm at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City with 1 ½ hour visitation prior to service.
A memorial service will take place at Sawyer Miller Funeral Home in Lunenburg, MA on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 10 am with calling hours beginning at 9:00 am. Family and friends are invited. Graveside services will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to spend quality time with your friends and family.