James R. Wallenbeck

Donald Paul Matula, 89, entered into rest peacefully Saturday morning (Jan. 31, 2026) at his home in Hornell.

Born in Schenectady, NY on May 14, 1936 he was a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Siatkowski) Matula. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his brother, Robert (Barbara) Matula and his sister, Marilyn (Kevin) Murphy.

A graduate of Draper High School in Schenectady in 1955, Donald received a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1959 and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY in 1963. He proudly served with the Air National Guard from 1959 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1965.

Donald began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in 1960 with Region 1 in Albany, NY. In 1979 he was transferred to Region 6 in Hornell where he was employed until retiring as a Regional Construction Engineer.

A member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus and the Maple City Lions Club, Donald enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, scuba diving and playing poker. Throughout the years he also owned horses and raced them at Green Mountain, VT and since his retirement he enjoyed attending auctions, was a Master Beekeeper and a New York State Bee Inspector, and a Master Gardener and Forrester.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan (Potpinka) Matula who he married at St. Joseph’s Church in Scotia, NY on Oct. 9, 1965; two children, Michelle (Scott) Wissick of Rochester, NY and Gregory Matula of Portland, OR; also, several nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved companion, Maggie.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Private interment will take place at St. Cyril’s Cemetery in Schenectady, NY at the convenience of the family.

Because of Donald’s love of dogs, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.