MATLACK, Robert Isaiah

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona ~ December 20, 2009 Robert Isaiah Matlack, 84, died on December 17, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona, following a brief illness. He leaves his spouse and partner of 57 years, Ethel Marie; two sisters, Margaret Louis Amey and Ethel Marie (Mike) Rizzoli; two daughters, Betts (Dan) Nelson & Mary (Jack) Barkley; two grandchildren, Harrison Barkley and Sarah (Michael) Criss. Bob was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the son of Isaiah and Ethel Matlack. He entered the U. S. Marines on June 24, 1943, where he was a Corporal. He was discharged on April 5, 1945. Robert and Ethel moved to Arizona from Cleveland, Ohio in 1955. They were both long time employees of McGraw Edison and Arvin Industries until they retired. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He held several positions with the Ira Hayes Marine Corps League (MCL) Detachment, including Commandant. In 2005 he was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Citizen Gold Medal. He was affectionately referred to as "Father" by Arizona Leaguers. By his family and friends he was always "Pops." Bob participated in the "Old Breed" MCL, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Pops also served as Vice-President of the Bola Tie Society of Arizona and drum major in the Phoenix Scottish Pipe Band. Viewing will be Monday, December 21, at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd. Peoria, from 6-9 p.m., with a prayer service and testimonials beginning at 8 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 22, at St. Vincent de Paul 3140 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of Arizona. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to the Marine Corps League Scholarship Foundation, MCL 8626 Lee Hwy, Suite 201, Fairfax, VA 22031. Semper Fi Father, Bob, Pops and Grandpa.