Obituary of Matthew Kuchavik

Matthew Kuchavik passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 28, 2017. He was 73 years young.

Born and raised in Manhattan, NY, he moved to NJ at the age of 12. He was the son of Henry Kuchavik and Mary Bajcar from Makov, Slovakia. He attended St. Cyril and Methodious Grammer School, Boonton. He was in the first 1961 graduating class of Morris Catholic High School. He married his soulmate and love of his life, Gail Sutton. Together they lived in Parsippany for 3 years before relocating to Lake Hopatcong. They moved to Boonton Township and raised their 4 sons.

Despite being a sincere husband, reliable father, and dependable grandfather, Matthew was a kid at heart. He loved to have fun, laugh constantly, build racetracks for his toy race cars and train tracks for his model trains. A few of his main passions in life included slingshot racing, race cars, being an avid Giants fan, flying, and traveling. He was the Chairman for Cub Scout Pack #69 in Boonton Township. He loved the events, especially the Pinewood Derby and meeting with the parents and children. In 1990, he took a roadtrip with Gail across the entire United States. The most important piece of his life, was his family. He absolutely adored spending time with them, particularly his grandchildren.

Matthew had several very successful careers. For 40 years, he was an Explosives Engineer, which lead to him assisting the Morris County Bomb Squad and he served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Boonton Township Police Department for 10 years. He also owned his own business, Mine Ridge Incorporated for 9 years. He worked for Pasquale Brothers, L&P Rock Corporation, and 21 years for John Joseph Incorporated, Ringwood, NJ. During his career he worked on Route 80, 280, 15, 23, 78, and more. He had the highest blasting License in the State of NJ. A dedicated, diligent, energentic, and spirited worker, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he will always be treasured in our memories.

He leaves only happy memories to his beloved wife of 53 years, Gail; his loving children, Michael Kuchavik and his wife Suzane of Bath, PA, Adam Kuchavik and his wife Bethany of Catawba, SC, Matthew Kuchavik of Boonton Twp., and Luke Kuchavik and his wife Joanna of Boonton Twp.; his cherished grandchildren, Devon Beekman and her husband Daniel, Andrew, Michael, Stephanie, Gabriella, Jacob, Olivia, Alexandra, and Andre Kuchavik; his caring siblings, Mary Friedland and her husband Philip, Theresa Lefkowitz and her husband Robert, the late John Kuchavik, and the late Anna Tieski; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, including his beloved relatives located in Slovakia.

Memorial Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 4th from 4 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. Memorial Mass will take place on Friday, May 5th at 11 am at St. Francis Chapel (Our Lady of Sorrows), 9 Pocono Rd., Denville, NJ. Memorial Donations can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a condolence and special memory for his family.