Mathias F. “Matt” Gutman, 99, CPO, USNR (Ret.) of Phoebe Terrace, Allentown, formerly of Macungie, died Nov. 7, 2024, at his home. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Mathias A. and Veronica (Gombocz) Gutman. He was the beloved husband of the late Bernadine (Kleinsorge) Gutman and Arlene M. (Hess) Gutman.

He graduated from Allentown High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater aboard (LST 553) Landing Ship Tank. He was the recipient of six campaign battle stars. LST 553 made six invasions in the Pacific islands, Peleliu, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, Subic Bay and Okinawa.

He was employed at Mack Trucks, Inc. on the fire line doing gold leaf lettering and striping on fire trucks. Before that, he was an insurance agent with Mutual of Omaha and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

He was a member of both Lehigh County and Lower Macungie Township historical societies and United Auto Workers, Local 677, as chief shop steward, board member and delegate. He was also a member and past president of Mack Truck Retirees.

He was proud of his service to his country and always flew the American flag. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an instructor and recruiter until retiring as chief petty officer in 1973.

He was one of the founders and charter life member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Navy Enlisted Reserve Association in 1975 and served as its first president and as national executive counselor.

He was a member of the Sampson World War II Navy Veterans, Pennsylvania LST Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Honorary First Defenders of Allentown and Bethlehem/Easton Chapters, Lehigh Valley Veterans History Project Round Table, American Legion and VFW Post 12099.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown.

He is survived by children, John (Kathy), of Allentown, Michael (Linda), Carol Long (Tom), Mary Conroy (Jim), Paul (Patti), all of Florida; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; stepsons, William Bleiler (Catherine), of Allentown, Michael Bleiler (Cheryl), of Orefield, Dean Bleiler (A.J.), of Allentown; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, David; two sisters, Veronica Silvoy, Christina Ridge; four brothers, Edmund, Louis, Joseph and Francis.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 14 at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown. A visitation will be held 10-11 a.m.

The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org, Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw.org or The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown all in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.