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Andrew "Drew" Matta Jr. entered his heavenly home Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, after suffering a severe cerebral stroke Aug. 16, 2026.
Drew was born Feb. 25, 1957, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late Andy Matta and Betty (Horvath) Matta, who survives and lives in Wolf Run, Ohio. The oldest of three sons, Drew grew up in the community of Wolf Run. He was a 1975 graduate of Springfield High School in Bergholz, Ohio, where he was a member of the school's football and baseball teams. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Wintersville, Ohio, where he was baptized and confirmed.
After graduation, Drew followed in his father's footsteps and entered the workforce as a coal miner, working at Jensie, Oakpark and Powhatan mines. His days as a coal miner were short-lived due to mine shutdowns. After the mine closures, Drew was involved in factory work for more than 20 years, working at Winters Industry, TRW and PCC Airfoils. Before retiring in 2023, he spent his final 20 years as a custodian for Carrollton Schools.
During his life, Drew loved two women unconditionally: One was his mother, Betty. He talked to Betty daily and provided her with an enduring support system. Doctor appointments, grocery shopping, odd jobs around her home -- you name it, he was there to help his mom.
The other woman Drew loved unconditionally was his wife, Kelly. After meeting at a friend's wedding in 1980, Drew and Kelly (Owens) began dating and later married July 26, 1986. Drew and Kelly were happily married for 40 years, living in Harrison Township, where they attended New Harrisburg Church until its closure and then Baxter's Ridge Church. Throughout their marriage, they were truly a couple who enjoyed each other's company and supported each other as partners in life. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in July with close family and friends.
During those 40 years, Drew took on a dream project of building his own log cabin for Kelly and himself on their farm. It was quite a task, and Drew was very proud of this accomplishment. Together, he and Kelly took great pride in maintaining their homestead, making improvements and keeping it well-maintained and manicured. Surrounded by trees, cornfields, the pond and wildlife, Drew and Kelly spent a lot of time on their porch, enjoying the fruits of their labor of love for their home.
Drew was a kindhearted man who enjoyed a simple life. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. He was always willing to help anyone who asked without expecting anything in return except maybe a thank you. As a school custodian, Drew was a quiet benefactor to many schoolchildren who were in need, whether it was being a mentor, a listening ear or handing out special treats and holiday gifts.
Drew was an avid motorcycle and old-vehicle enthusiast. He enjoyed discovering Mail Pouch barns, painting Mail Pouch signs and finding antiques for the inside and outside of the log cabin. He loved his Harleys, his smokes, an occasional shot of Jack Daniel's and his daily McDonald's coffee. Drew Matta was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum. The silence of his drum will be felt by all who knew him and loved him.
Drew is survived by his wife, Kelly; his mother, Betty; and his brothers, Mark (Tammy) Matta and David (Tracey) Matta, both of Wolf Run, Ohio, as well as his sister-in-law, Deb (Louis) Parys of Coldwater, Michigan. Also surviving is his uncle, George Horvath, whom Drew visited weekly.
Drew is also survived by four nieces and two nephews: Chelsea (Mike) Householder of Salineville, Ohio; Abbi (Aaron) Rugg of New Bern, North Carolina; Andy Matta of Wintersville, Ohio; Cheyenne (Gage) Matta of Amsterdam, Ohio; Allyson (Keith) Gormley of Fremont, Indiana; and Aaron Parys of Coldwater, Michigan. In addition, he leaves behind five great-nieces and great-nephews: Alexis Parys, Jaxson and Jordy Gormley, and Noah and Levi Rugg.
Drew was preceded in death by his father, Andy; his grandparents, Steve and Rosa Horvath and Andy and Anna Matta; and his in-laws, William and Donna Owens.
Dodds Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Calling hours will be Thursday, Sept. 3, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Dodds Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, Sept. 4, at noon at Dodds Funeral Home, with visitation one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Baxter's Ridge Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.borkoskifuneral homes.com