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Father John Matthew Elanjileth

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 04, 2026

Father John Matthew Elanjileth, age 104, of McKeesport, died February 2, 2026, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born April 26, 1921, in Kerala, India, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Elanjileth.

Father Matthew was raised in a loving family and deeply influenced by the faith of his Mother. He entered the seminary and was ordained into the Catholic priesthood on August 24, 1945, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. From 1945 until 1963, Father Matthew was the rector of the Minor Seminary, training young men for the priesthood. During those years he served as Professor of Aramaic and Sociology at Mar Ivanios College in India.
In 1963, Father Matthew came to the University of Pittsburgh to further his studies in Sociology. Father has served several parishes in the Pittsburgh Diocese over the years including St. Mary of Mercy, St. Lawrence O'Toole in Garfield, Madonna del Costello in Swissvale, St. Joseph Coraopolis, and St. Sylvester in Brentwood. His credentials also include a Diploma in Social Leadership from the International Cody Institute in Canada and a Master's Degree in Education from Duquesne University.
Father Matt's assignment to St. Mary Romanian Catholic Church in Christy Park in 1981 brought him to McKeesport. Shortly after that, he extended his ministry to Auberele, serving at risk children and families and began his work as Chaplain at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.

Retired from his work as pastor, Father Matt resided in the former Kelly Building on the UPMC McKeesport campus, where he continued to minister to both Auberele and the UPMC McKeesport Hospital community.
For nearly over forty years, Father Matthew has walked the corridors of the hospital, tending not only to patients, but, to the staff, all employees and their families, far too many to number. The hour was never too late. The journey was never too far. It mattered not what religion your practice or what you may believe. Father Matt carried a message of hope and a prayer of comfort to those in need and to all who cared for them.
Mother Theresa was a life long friend. There is no doubt that she would be well pleased with Father Matthew's gift of himself to the UPMC McKeesport community and to all whom he has served in the McKeesport area throughout his life.
He is survived by his nephews, John (Susan) Punnoose of India, and Jacob (Reebu) Punnoose of India; niece, Elizabeth (Thomas) Thomas of India; many grand-nieces and nephews throughout the world; and extended family and friends.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Committal prayers and burial took place in New St. Joseph's Cemetery in North Versailles. Family and friends are asked to gather on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St. Angela Merici Church, 1640 Fawcett Ave., White Oak, PA 15131, for a memorial mass at 10 a.m. in honor of Father Elanjileth's loving spirit. Condolances and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralandcremationservices.com

Originally published February 04, 2026.

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