- Date Of Birth: March 14, 1931
- Date Of Death: August 16, 2018
- State: Maryland
On August 16, 2018, Albert John Matousek peacefully passed away at the age of 87 while in the care of Seasons Hospice Center in Rosedale, MD. He was born on March 14, 1931 to parents John and Elizabeth Matousek, both of Czech descent, and raised in a Czech neighborhood of East Baltimore. He had one older sibling, Blanche, who predeceased him in 1998. Al attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from Calvert Hall College High School. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on the U.S.S. General Hodges and played clarinet in the Navy band. While on leave, he married his sweetheart, Contance H. Jankiewicz, and went on to enjoy 66 years of wedded happiness. Al retired from the Social Security Administration after a distinguished career of over 36 years.
Al Matousek is best known for his musical career that began in the mid 1960s when he was an accordion soloist who performed at various East Baltimore clubs. For 15 years, Al was the featured performer every Friday and Saturday night at the Graceland Inn in Dundalk, MD. He also played with various groups over the years that include Al Matousek’s Polka American Dance Band, the Bay City Brass, the Polkaholics, Joy, and most recently Joy IV. His love for his craft enabled him to play until the age of 85. Al’s music greatly influenced the evolution of the Baltimore polka scene, and through his children and nephew, his legacy impacted the national industry as well.
Al is survived by his loving wife, Connie Matousek; children Ellen Marie Snyder and husband Gary, Michael Thomas Matousek Sr. and wife Ann Marie, Stephen Joseph Matousek and wife Suzanne; grandchildren Michael Thomas Matousek Jr.,Monica Lynn Snyder, Melissa Lynn Matousek, Amanda Lynn Matousek, Matthew David Matousek, Christina Marie Matousek, Amy Leigh Matousek, and great-grandchildren Amelia Lynn Matousek and Eli Jackson Slagle.
