Matthew "Matt" Wludyga, age 65, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at UPMC Pittsburgh with family by his side. Matt was born on March 3, 1960, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to the late Steve and Beverly Wludyga. He grew up surrounded by family and lifelong friends and spent his early years playing sports and getting into trouble with his brothers. (Everyone in Jefferson knew the Wludyga boys).

Matt graduated from Jefferson High School, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete. He excelled in both wrestling and football. He later received a bachelor's degree from Kent State University. Due to his impressive work ethic, Matt was promoted from Rez-Tech in Kent, OH to a new Plant Manager role in California, in which he excelled. Matt eventually retired as a Facility Maintenance Supervisor for Chiquita before returning to Pymatuning to be among family and friends.

Above all else, Matt cherished his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent fishing on Pymatuning Lake with loved ones. Family members fondly recall that "Matt always seemed to catch 'the big one' effortlessly," a reflection not only of his skill but of the joy he brought to those moments together. Oftentimes, those long days out on the pontoon boat turned into long nights around the campfire with family, telling scary stories, reminiscing on memories from the past, and telling the nieces and nephews about the Pymatuning Swamp Monster.

Matt was deeply loved by his former wife, Lesley Wludyga, and their shared memories remain a meaningful part of his life story. Matt had large group of close friends between Ohio and California who also loved him very much.

He is survived by his siblings Rick (Suzanne) Wludyga, Henry "Corky" Wludyga, Michael "Casey" (Helen) Wludyga, Eric (Kellee Karis) Wludyga, Sister-in-law Teresa, and Tammy (PJ) McTrusty, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews - all of whom he loved very much and took great pride in. In addition to his parents, Matt was preceded in death by his siblings Quinne Buzzard, Stephanie Rogers, and Steve Wludyga, Sister-in-law Helen Wludyga, Brother-in-law John Buzzard, and nephew Dylan Wludyga.

Matt will be remembered for his athletic ability, his love of family, his easygoing nature, and the quiet joy he found in simple moments spent with those he loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who know him. The Wludyga family is tight knit and loving – and when we are on the boat, we know Matt will be riding along with us, looking for the next big catch.


Services will be held at Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, on Sunday, January 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Donations can be made in Matt's name to Ashtabula County Special Olympics.

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements. (440) 361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com