LT. COL. MATTHEW FRANCIS KARCICH

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 17, 2004

Longtime Colorado Springs resident, businessman and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Francis Karcich passed away, Sunday, March 14, 2004. He is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Matthew was born May 27, 1915, in Trinidad, Colorado to Matthew and Antonia Karcich. Graduating in 1951 from the University of Colorado with a degree in Civil Engineering, Matthew was co-owner of Karcich and Weber Engineers. He was a registered professional engineer and land surveyor. Matthew was a life member of the Professional Engineers of Colorado, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Drafted during World War II, Matthew served as a navigator with the 8th Air Force, 379th Bomb Group and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He continued serving in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Combining his engineering talents and military background, Matthew was instrumental in the design and construction of the 379th Memorial Wall at the Air Force Academy cemetery. He was a life member of the 379th Bomb Group Association and the Military Officers Association of America.

Matthew was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Clara, daughter Barbara (Michael) Draper of Colorado Springs, son Richard (Anne) of Denver, six grandchildren, a sister Minnie Bussanich of Trinidad, CO, sister-in-law Amelia Karcich of Colorado Springs, and numerous nieces and nephews. A son, Thomas Val, a sister Antonia, and brothers Frank and Dominic preceded Matthew in death.

A memorial mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 20th, with military honors to follow. Rosary will precede the mass at 12:30 pm. A reception will follow the services in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.