Andrew "Andy" Joseph Mateja

Andrew "Andy" Joseph Mateja, Sr, 64, of Zanesville, OH, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away at Licking Memorial Hospital on September 2, 2018. He was born in Chicago, IL on June 10, 1954 to the late Joseph and Pauline (Coclanes) Mateja. Andy is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Georgia (Skoundrianos) Mateja; beloved children, Stephanie, Andrew (A.J.), Nick and Deanna Mateja; brothers Daniel C. and Dean Mateja, Sr; sister, Maria (Mateja) Farinella; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A well-seasoned salesman, Andy began his sales and marketing career following his graduation from high school, working for Samuel Popeil in Chicago and later his son Ron Popeil at Ronco, which prompted him to write a book in 2013 about his experiences working for the Popeil/Ronco Gadget Dynasty. His true passion was the Civil War which eventually led him to start a blog with his compositions on various Civil War topics. He loved classic movies and TV shows of days gone by. He looked forward to his Vito & Nick’s get-togethers with his classmates from Bogan High School. He enjoyed meeting new people and making everyone laugh. A sincere and heartfelt Thank You goes to the multiple doctors, nurses, and staff at Genesis Hospital, Licking Memorial Hospital and especially The Laurels of Heath (formerly Heath Nursing Care Center) for their compassion and dedication to the well-being of Andy. Thank you to the many family and friends for their continued prayers, well wishes and cards throughout his illness. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Andy and the Mateja family.  “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends” – It’s a Wonderful Life