Matthew P. Kropiewnicki, Lt. Col. USAF Ret., age 83, of Dover, Delaware, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren, Ronnie and Natalie Rider. Although he was extremely successful serving his country as a United States Air Force Command Pilot for 20 years, his greatest accomplishments, which he cherished the most, were those of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Matthew was born and raised in Shickshinny, PA. After graduating from Garrison Memorial High School in 1951, he took a position as Timekeeper at American Car and Foundry in Berwick, PA. In 1953, he began his Air Force career as a Cadet and obtained his pilot wings in 1955. His career as a pilot spanned the transition from piston engine cargo planes to those of the jet age. In addition to being a Command Pilot of C-141As out of Dover Air Force Base (DAFB), he held the position of Chief Standardization Pilot of a Squadron (20th Mil. Alft. Sq.) and also for a USAF Wing (436th MAW). Matthew also led Wing Combat Tactics for the new C-141A at DAFB and was involved in numerous humanitarian, combat and medevac missions from 1953 to his retirement in 1973. In his 20 year career, he amassed over 10,000 flight hours and he was a Korean and Vietnam War veteran. Significant units included the 3rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 15th Troop Carrier Squadron and the 20th Military Airlift Squadron, as well as TDY assignments to Germany in the 52nd Troop Carrier Squadron. His awards included the Meritorious Service Medal. Upon his military retirement, Matthew obtained a BS in Business Administration from Delaware State University. He then accepted a position as Safety Director at King Cole Canning Co. in Milton, DE. Thereafter, he worked as a Civil Servant for the U.S. Government Commerce Dept. NOAA in Silver Spring, MD. His last position, until his civilian retirement in 1995, was at DAFB Base Operations.

Matthew enjoyed his retirement years spent with his wife, Rita, and his family. It made up for all the time spent away from home during his years in the service. In his free time, he enjoyed visiting Spence’s bazaar, catching up with old friends at the DAFB Commissary, working in his yard and playing cards (31) with family and friends. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles football fan and with his sons, son-in-laws and grandsons he also often attended Air Force vs. Navy, or Army, football games each year.

Matthew was preceded in death by his son, Mark of Newport, DE; his parents Blanche and Walter Kropiewnicki of Shickshinny, PA; 11 brothers and sisters, as well as several of their spouses and children.

Matthew is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Rita, their 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Survivors include their son, Matthew Jr. of Cochranville, PA; their daughter, Patricia Clauser and her husband Francis of Dover, DE; their daughter Ann Rider, her husband Ronald and their children Ronnie and Natalie of Dover, DE; their son Chris of Wilmington, DE; and their deceased son Mark’s children, Joseph and his wife Bridget of Bear, DE; Kelly and her son Jace of Flint, MI; Stephen of Newport, DE; and Robert of Newport, DE.

A Viewing will be held Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 6 until 8pm at The Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover. There will be an additional viewing from 10 am until 11am on Friday, August 19th at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment will be private. Condolences may be forwarded via www.ambruso.com