Family and friends are saying “so long” to an extraordinary man, Matthias “Matt” Jost, 84, who died June 3, 2018.
Born on January 25, 1934 to Anna and Josef Jost in Tschesterek, Yugoslavia, Matt lost his father when he was very young. Josef was a victim of genocide, post the fall of Hitler by Tito.
Matt survived Tito’s concentration camp Rudolfsgnad. His mother, Anna, led her family on three failed escapes, until the final fourth one was successful. This three-person family of refugees made its way from Yugoslavia to Vienna, where the Red Cross helped them. Matthias credits the Red Cross with saving their lives. Matt was disappointed that world leaders – to this day – did not formally acknowledge the atrocities his family and many others faced.
Matt’s Uncle Mark was able to sponsor them on the Queen Mary, making their way through Ellis Island. There, Matt had the teenage exuberance to ensure proper spelling of his surname “Jost” not “Yost” as it is pronounced. Despite the years he spent as a refugee, and not speaking English, Matt went on to graduate high school on time. Matt attended Saturday double features to teach himself English.
Matt served in the Army as a chemical specialist. His citizenship naturalization ceremony took place while he served, and ended up being a very special ceremony because duty caused him to miss the standard one.
Matt received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, the city that they called home for many years. Matt’s long-term career was that of a regulatory economist.
Matt’s passions included laughing, fried chicken, car-flipping, coffee and reading. Matt is remembered by many as being inquisitive, funny, soft-spoken, and inherently optimistic. Recently, when asked by the medical staff, “Who is president?” he would reply “Hillary Clinton.”
Matthias and his wife, Joyce, celebrated 50 years together on September 15, 2013.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sister, Katharina; son, David; daughter-in-law, Lois; two grand-dogs; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Brian.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Memorial United Methodist Church with a celebration to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following charities: Memorial United Methodist, Red Cross or American Cancer Society North Hampton Crew.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors