Obituary of Matthew Dekeyser

Matthew Dekeyser was born on December 22nd, 1966, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the second to the youngest of 14 children of the late James and Maggie O. Dekeyser. Matthew received his education in the Philadelphia school system. He graduated from Olney High School in 1985 with numerous awards for his athletic abilities in gymnastics. After graduation he went to Delaware Valley school of Trade where he took up building and repair. He later began employment at Shorty Sam’s Auto Repair Shop as an automotive parts carrier and mechanic, when that shop closed, he began working for Progressive Lighting as a Security Supervisor. In 1993 Matthew Married Patricia Blocker, to this union his eldest daughter Patrese was born. Matthew began working in the Philadelphia Prison System as a Correctional Officer in September 1996 and eventually became a Sergeant within the prison system. In 2005 Matthew married current wife Viola Tomlin-Dekeyser and to this union two children were born: Madison and Matthew. Matthew joined the United States Air Force Reserves in 2002 where he honorably served for 20 years. He started off his air force career with the 913th Medical Squadron in Willow Grove, PA and in 2007, he transferred to the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE. While in the Air Force Reserves, he earned the rank of Technical Sergeant Matthew Dekeyser as well as several service medals. Matthew was preceded in death by one sister Barbara McClure; three brother’s Joseph Freeman, Curtis Dekeyser and James Dekeyser Jr. Matthew departed this world on Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. Leaving to cherish his life & memories his: Wife Viola Tomlin-Dekeyser, Philadelphia PA and Three children: Patrese Dekeyser, Madison Dekeyser and Matthew Dekeyser of Philadelphia, PA; Sisters; Margaret Hampton; Kathleen Dekeyser; Marissa Payne; Brenda Walters; Lenora Dekeyser; Renee Small and Sandra Dekeyser; Brothers; Jasper Freeman and William Dekeyser. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.