Matt M. Sitnik

Matt M. Sitnik, 95, passed away on July 3, 2019.

He was born, and lived, in Syracuse for 31 years, moved to Camillus in 1955, and then to Cicero in 2005
(a first generation American).

Matt retired from Chrysler Corp., New Process Gear Division, in 1979 after 32 years. He was a former Onondaga County Sheriff's Dept. special deputy, and Park Ranger retiree. In the early 1960's he served as a part time police officer with the Camillus Police Dept., when the department consisted of only two officers, one part time and one full time.

Prior to entering military service in 1942, Matt worked at Crucible Steel Co. located on Erie Blvd W., now located across for the NYS Fairgrounds. Also employed by N.Y. Central Railroad, is when he left to join the military from 1942-1946, a part of the greatest generation.

A WWII combat infantry veteran, Matt served in the European Theatre with the 14th Armored Division, 62nd Infantry Battalion. The 14th A. D. was assigned to the 7th Army then later to the 3rd Army under General George S. Patton, Jr. Matt was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, among others. He was also awarded the N.Y.S. Conspicuous Service Cross.

Matt also served with the 9th armored Infantry Battalion 20th Armored Div., which was to participate in the invasion of Japan. Prior to going overseas with the infantry, he served in the Army Air Corp. as a military policeman at what is now Edward's Airforce Base in Muroc, California. Matt was assigned to security duty on the First U.S. Top Secret Jet Planes. The 1st American jet plane P59A built by Bellaircraft was tested here, as was the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. They did not see combat during WWII. The P-80 Shooting Star was the 1st American operational jet fighter plane to see action in the Korean War.

Matt was a life member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 8664, Camillus, NY, as well as the American Legion Post 0001 and the P.L.A.V. Post 14, Syracuse. He was a former member of the original P.L.A.V. Post 14 Brigadiers and an alumni of the Drum & Bugle Corp. Matt was a member of the CSEA Local 913 Service Employees Assoc., former member of the Camillus Historical Society, member of the N.R.A. (National Rifle Association) and a life member of the 14th Armored Div. Assoc.

Matt was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Delles); daughter, Joanne Sitnik Fontenot; brother, Ted; father, Stanley Sitnik; and mother, Sophia Kaczor.

He is survived by daughter; Robin Sitnik (Frank) Fratianni of Cicero; son, Michael (Karen) Sitnik of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandchildren, Traci Fontenot, S.C., Michael Fontenot, CO., Dayna & Kara Sitnik, S.C., and Sydney & Nicole Fratianni of Cicero, NY; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Andrew, Brianna & Devin Kowalewski of S.C., Peyton Sitnik of S.C., and Jaxson, Camden & Maclan Fontenot of CO, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will take place at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, N. Syracuse on Sunday, July 7th from 4-7pm. A funeral Service will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals on Monday, the 8th, at 10am. Burial will follow at Syracuse Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation / Peyton Sitnik , 224 Loblolly Lane, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29579 or Cicero Police, PBA, 6200 Route 31, Cicero, NY 13039.

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