Matthew Stanislaw Clarich

Matthew Stanislaw Clarich died just after Noon on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona from a sudden heart attack. He was 68 years old. Matt was born, the only child, to the late Matthew and Jean (Szymanski) Clarich on January 16, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Eleanor Meier in Miller Place, Long Island, New York. The couple were married in Mt. Sinai, New York on May 4, 1963. They were looking forward to celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary in just 2 weeks. As a young man, he heard his patriotic call and enlisted himself in the United States Air Force. He served 20 years in the Air Force where he served in Thailand as well as Okinawa. When he returned to the States, he was stationed in Laredo and San Antonio, Texas. Forty years ago, Matt moved to Arizona and was stationed at Williams Air Force Base and Luke Air Force Base where he retired as a Tech Sergeant. Soon after his retirement, Matt found himself working for the U.S. Postal service as one of its mail carriers. He continued with that job for another 10 years. He made friends wherever he was. Realizing that "retirement" just wasn't for him, Matt spent the last year of his life working as a security guard at Show Low's Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, where he was a familiar and friendly face. Matt was a huge animal lover. Some of his best friends were those of the "four-legged" kind. He loved horses, dogs, cats and any other creature that expressed their unconditional love to him. This gentle giant of a man will be greatly missed. Matthew Stanislaw Clarich is survived by his wife, Dorothy E. Clarich of Concho, Arizona; 4 children: Son Robert and his wife Cathy Clarich of Gilbert, Arizona, Daughter Laurie-Rae and her husband James Sloan of Show Low, Arizona, Daughter Beverly Downs of Mesa, Arizona, Son Matthew Clarich of Seattle, Washington; 3 grandchildren: Cody Clarich of Gilbert, Arizona, Brittany Clarich of Gilbert, Arizona and Desirae Clarich of Mesa, Arizona. In addition to extended family in New Jersey and Pennsylvania where Matt was known as "Sonny". In lieu of Gifts and Flowers Memorial Contributions many be made at Chase Bank for Dorothy for more information please contact Owens Livingston Mortury-White Mountain Chapel. The family also suggests that donations may be made to the Humane Society of the White Mountians. Donations can be made directly to the White Mountain Humane Society by calling (928) 368-5295, or by mail to PO Box 909, Lakeside, AZ 85929, just make notation "In Memory of Matthew Clarich". A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. May 7, 2011 at St. Rita's Catholic Church 1400 E. Owens Show Low, Arizona. Burial will be at a later date at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024. We will update this website as to when that will take place.