Twins celebrate 90th birthday

Neighbors | Submitted.Charles Matkoskey (left) sat with his twin, John, on Jan. 2 at the Friedens Lutheran Church in Friedens, Pa. The brothers celebrated their 90th birthday with family and close friends.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Twins Charles and John Matkoskey turned 90-years-old on Jan. 4 and celebrated their birthday at Friedens Lutheran Church in Friedens, Pa. on Jan. 2.
The Matkoskey’s returned to Friedens, where they grew up, to celebrate their birthday with family and close friends. Sarah Matkoskey, Charles’ wife, explained that the brothers were excited at the opportunity to be able to reconnect with their friends and family in the place where they grew up. Charles is the oldest of the two by five minutes.
Charles and Sarah have been married for 60 years and are currently living in Austintown. Charles was a member of the military and served in World War II as a Marine and in the Korean War as a member of the Army. Sarah said they love to travel and have traveled to Europe and 47 other states. Charles is also a big fan of collecting. He is a collector of all sorts and was always looking for more items to add to his collections.
Charles and Sarah have three children and several grandchildren and great-grand children. Charles worked at Youngstown Steel Door for 33 years before he retired in 1988.
John was married to his wife, Fay, who had passed away in 1991. They were married for 44 years and had eight children. They also had many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. John was a coal miner and worked at Solar Fuel of Friedens for 45 years.
The brothers are not identical, but have always shared a close bond. Given the chance to celebrate a birthday together with their loved ones made this birthday extra special for them.