Mathew Braidech

MATHEW THOMAS BRAIDECH  

Born August 9, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio

Died October 18, 2015

Mathew Braidech was born at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland on August 9, 1928 to Stella (Posch) and Mathew M. Braidech. As a child, he attended St. Paul’s Catholic School until Junior High, when he began attending public school in Euclid. He is a graduate of Hastings on Hudson High School (NY), to which he transferred for his senior year when the family moved to New York. Upon graduation from High School in 1946, Matt enlisted in the Marines, where he earned the rank of Corporal and was designated an “Expert” marksman.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, Matt used his GI bill to attend college back in Ohio with the original intention of becoming an engineer. After a year as an engineering major, he decided that teaching (with an emphasis in the industrial arts & engineering) was his true passion. A graduate of both The Ohio State University & Kent State University, Matt was a lifelong learner who was committed not only to the education of himself and his family, but of the myriad of students he taught during his decades on the faculty of Euclid’s Shore Junior High School. He took great pride in the ongoing development of new projects that would engage and challenge his students, and was always on the outlook for ways to bring variety and relevance to his classes in design, drafting, wood and metal shop, and related industrial arts. While teaching full-time, Matt also worked part-time as an engineer/draftsman, working with various manufacturers in the design of products as varied as tools and jet engines. He continued his involvement with industry after his retirement from teaching (1980), serving as a design consultant to major manufacturers throughout the eastern United States.

Matt was an avid photographer, golfer, reader, and sports fan (especially of the Buckeyes!). A long-suffering Browns follower & Indians supporter, Matt learned patience and how to deal with disappointment from a young age, which may have contributed to his underlying strength and toughness. He was a very generous and compassionate person who supported his family and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Matt was married to Joan Granstedt from 1953 to 1985. The couple had two daughters; Laura (Gainor), currently of Phoenix, AZ, and Leslie Braidech, currently of Reynoldsburg, OH. Matt married Myrtle (Zodnik) in 1991; the two were happily together until Myrtle’s passing in 2009 following an illness. Matt is survived by his daughters, son-in-law Dan Gainor (of Phoenix), grandson Gregory Gainor (of Los Angeles), brother Larry Braidech (wife Eileen, nieces Lori, Kara & Lisa, nephew Mark) and an extended family and circle of friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Private burial with military honors in All Souls Cemetery. Memorial service Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at the First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44122 at 11 AM. Reception following the service in the Community Room of the funeral home. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Matt at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) FRIDAY NOV. 27, FROM 4-7 PM.