FF James W. "Jamie" Mateychuk

James (Jamie) W. Mateychuk, 51 of Holden, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 13, 2023 at UMass Medical Center.

Jamie was born in Springfield, MA and grew up in Southbridge where he graduated from Southbridge High School. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War on the USS Barnstable County, earning various medals during his service, something he spoke about often. Jamie was a veteran not only of the military but served his local community for 20 years as a firefighter for the City of Worcester Fire Department. He was stationed predominantly on Rescue 1 before retiring in November of 2022. After retiring Jamie worked part-time at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow. When Jamie was not at work, he would volunteer at On Site Academy at Windy Hill Farm helping first responders in need. 

Jamie had a huge personality and the biggest heart. He loved spending time with friends and family - most likely around a firepit, golfing, or throwing back an IPA or glass of Jim Beam.  He loved walking his beloved dogs Max and Ruby, cooking and enjoying holidays with his family, especially sharing oysters and tequila on Christmas. His laugh was memorable and always brought smiles to those around him.  You could always find Jamie working on multiple projects around his house. Most of all Jamie found joy in helping others and making people happy. He was a proud husband, father, brother, uncle and a dear friend.

Jamie is survived by his wife of 23 years, Lauren L. (Parella) Mateychuk; their three children, Amelia, Julia and Jack Mateychuk all of Holden; his mother, Jean (Stahl) Mateychuk and her husband David Loiselle of Southbridge, his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Kathleen Parella of Holden; two brothers, Aaron Mateychuk and his wife Jennifer Galloway of Framingham and Erik Ricci of California; two sisters, Nadine Mateychuk of North Hampton, NH and Alyssa Thornley and her husband Johnny of Texas; his sister-in-law, Leslie McGee and her husband Kieran of Holden; nieces and nephews, Jade, Bay, Reed, Aidan, Delaney, Skylar and Aaron; many friends, colleagues and extended family.  He is predeceased by a brother, Eric Mateychuk.

Calling hours will be held at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester on Wednesday, January 18 from 4-8pm. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 19th at 10:00 am at the funeral home followed by a procession passing by the multiple fire stations in which he served through the city he protected.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to either The Mateychuk Children’s Fund, Worcester Fire Department Credit Union, 34 Glennie St. Worcester MA 01605 or d/b/a On-Site Academy, PO Box 448, Westminster, MA 01473.