George Matern, 71, of Brookfield, beloved husband of Elizabeth "Liz" Matern, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on April 5, 2026.

The son of the late Richard and Mary Matern, George was born in New Rochelle, New York, but grew up in Newtown, graduating as a member of the Newtown High School Class of 1972. He then attended Mattatuck Community College, where he played on the college baseball team. A Highway Department employee of the Town of Newtown for more than 35 years, George was also a longtime softball player, golfer, and gym enthusiast, as well as an avid Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and UConn Huskies basketball fan. Above all, however, George was a beloved family man, enjoying the company of his loved ones and spending a lot of his time with his grandson, instilling in him that same passion for sports.

In addition to Liz, the love of his life and wife of 40 years, George is survived by his loving son Matthew and daughter Rebecca (Lemar); his brother Richard (Ruth) Matern; his sister Joanie Matern; his sister Marilyn (Dave) Bratz; his brother Jack (Jane) Matern; his sister-in-law Louise (Dan) Cronin; his brother-in-law Gil (Marita) Aguiar; his brother-in-law James (Mark) Aguiar; his cherished grandson J.J. Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his brother Christopher Matern.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 15, from 4 to 7 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. A memorial service will follow at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue, PO Box 783, Sandy Hook CT 06482 (sandyhookfire.com) or to any other worthy cause of the donor's choice.

The Newtown Bee April 10, 2026