\t\t\tMatthew A. Shugars \t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\tOBITUARY\t\t<\/p>\n
Matthew Alan Shugars, 51, died January 20, 2026 in his West Reading residence.<\/p>\n
Born April 30, 1974, in Reading, he was a son of Robert F. and Christine S. (Dziki) Shugars of Muhlenberg Township.<\/p>\n
A 1992 graduate of Muhlenberg High School, Matthew also attended Penn State University and Lebanon Valley College.<\/p>\n
He was employed as a police officer for 32 years, retiring in 2025 from Cumru Township Police Department. His other places of employment include DEA in Allentown, where he worked for six years; and part-time with Laureldale, Mohnton, and Birdsboro police departments. He was also assigned to the Berks County Major Crime Task Force and Berks County Narcotics Team.<\/p>\n
Matthew was honored with the Gallantry Star Medal for his distinguished act of bravery in the apprehension of a dangerous individual who posed a threat to the community. He was also recognized for safely locating a citizen with Alzheimer\u2019s disease who had wandered off. He truly loved what he did, and it showed.<\/p>\n
A player of basketball, football, and baseball, Matthew was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year at Muhlenberg High School. He was the junior high football coach for Wilson School District for 4 years; and was proud to say his team won the junior high championship game.<\/p>\n
Matthew enjoyed restoring failing plants and unique recycling of furniture.<\/p>\n
Surviving, in addition to his parents, is his brother, Nathan L. Shugars; his aunt and Godmother, Cynthia A. Snyder, and her son, Christopher Lambi.<\/p>\n
Matthew was preceded in death by his uncle and Godfather, Joseph E. Dziki, Jr.<\/p>\n
A Prayer Service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A visitation will be held from 10-11. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.<\/p>\n