Francis J. Matus, co-owner of Hour Grill

Francis J. Matus, 90, of the Town of Tonawanda, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in Bergan Mercy Hospital, Omaha, Neb.

Born in Lord, Md., Mr. Matus who was known as Fran, graduated from Tech High School in 1935.

He enlisted in the Army in July 1943 and served overseas for 11 months with the 20th Air Forces in the Mariana Islands. He was discharged on Dec. 24, 1945, having attained the rank of sergeant.

Mr. Matus and his wife, Kay, operated the Hour Grill for 30 years, retiring in 1987. Before that, he worked at Western Electric, ATT, Bell Labs, AMF and Stanley Aviation.

Active in local politics, Mr. Matus held campaign parties in his home for various Republican candidates.

He and his wife were among the first parishioners of St. Andrew's Parish, collecting for Catholic Charities and participating in several organizations. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Kenmore Council.

The couple also had a home in Indian Shores, Fla., for 21 years. Mr. Matus is survived by his daughter, Karen Stalker. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine, who died in 2004.