Processional to be held Monday for active-duty Marine from Hingham who died while on leave

Mary Whitfill, The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read
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HINGHAM – Veterans' Services Director Keith Jermyn is asking residents to line the streets of Hingham on Monday as the body of active-duty Marine Matthew Partyka is brought home following his death in North Carolina.

Partyka, a 25-year-old Hingham native, died by suicide while on leave in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His remains will return to Hingham under Massachusetts State Police escort on Monday, July 18. Arrival at  the Hingham town line is expected at about 7:15 p.m.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew P. Partyka died of suicide in July 2022 while on leave in North Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew P. Partyka died of suicide in July 2022 while on leave in North Carolina.

The Downing Funeral Chapel hearse will be led from Logan Airport on Route 3, exiting at Derby Street. From there, the procession will travel on Whiting and Garner streets, Farm Hill Lane, Main Street and Pond Street.

"We ask that all citizens of Hingham who are along these areas to silently stand in respect, accompanied by American or U.S. Marine Corps flags if possible," Jermyn said.

A Hingham High graduate

Partyka enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2014, graduated in 2015 from Hingham High School and in 2016 reported to the School of Infantry at  Camp Lejeune. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2017 and Japan in 2020.

At the time of his death, he was stationed in Michigan and had been promoted to sergeant. His decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

In his obituary, Partyka's family said he enjoyed playing baseball and served as a Little League umpire. In high school, he was a member of the wrestling team.

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Partyka is survived by his parents, Gregory and Maureen Partyka; sisters Kathleen Watts and Caroline Partyka; brother-in-law Christopher Watts; and nephews John and Patrick Watts. He also leaves grandmother Helen McGuire and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A wake will be held at the Resurrection Church in Hingham from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 19. A burial Mass will be celebrated at the church at 10 a.m. Wednesday and he will be buried with full military honors at St. Paul's Cemetery.

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Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Active-duty Marine from Hingham dies on leave in North Carolina