Jerome J. Matika Sr., 74, of Whitehall, died July 28, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Kathleen (Budihas) Matika for 52 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late John and Margaret (Rechtor) Matika.

He honorably served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and peacetime.

He was employed as a customer service agent for U.S. Airways, in maintenance with East Coast Jets and as a school bus driver for the Whitehall-Coplay School District for many years.

He participated as Santa with the Hoken- dauqua Operation Santa for more than 30 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Jerry Matika Jr. with Sheila, Chris Matika with Janine and Leanne Muth with Jeremy; seven grandchildren, Matt, Kayla, Bella, Vince, Jules, Dean and Ben; a great-grandson, Wyatt; a sister, Cindy Moser with Phil; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and extended family.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org.

Arrangements were made by Reichel Funeral Home Inc., Northampton.