‘Still taking it all in’: Charleroi man wins $1M from Pa. lottery
Michael Matyas, a retired Charleroi police chief, bought the ticket at the Exxon in Speers.
By the MVI
A Charleroi man who recently retired for the second time won a $1 million jackpot from a Pennsylvania Lottery ticket.
Michael Matyas, 70, was presented with a commemorative check Tuesday after he won $1 million from a Pennsylvania Lottery ticket last month.
Officials from the Pennsylvania Lottery and Giant Penn LLC (Exxon), a Lottery retailer, presented the commemorative check to Matyas, the winner of a $1 million jackpot-winning Cash 5 with Quick Cash ticket from the July 19 drawing.
The check presentation was held at Giant Penn LLC (Exxon), 1001 Maple Drive, in Speers, where the winning ticket was sold. The retailer will earn a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Matyas, a retired Charleroi police chief, said he purchased the winning ticket the day of the drawing but didn’t check it until two days later.
“I was very surprised when I checked the ticket that Sunday,” said Matyas. “I had to look at the ticket about 10 times before believing it.”
He purchased his winning ticket using Quick Pick and checked the ticket using the Lottery’s Official App. “I immediately called my twin brother who lives nearby and told him he needed to come down but didn’t tell him why. My brother said, ‘Well, he’s either sick or he hit the Lottery.’” Matyas said he retired 10 years ago and recently retired from working a part-time job. He said he plans to use his prize money to help his children, pay off bills, and spend more time enjoying his favorite hobby, golfing.
He added, “I’m still taking it all in. This whole experience has been fantastic.”
“Congratulations to Michael on this life-changing prize,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “We’d also like to congratulate our retailer, Giant Penn LLC (Exxon), for selling the big Cash 5 winner. Thanks to our loyal players and retailers, the PA Lottery is able to continue generating proceeds to pay for life-sustaining programs and services our senior population relies upon.”
“Congratulations to Michael for winning this prize! We are incredibly excited for him,” said Cari Mackesy, manager of Giant Penn LLC (Exxon). “We are excited that a local community member will get to enjoy this. Our sincerest congratulations to him!”
This Cash 5 with Quick Cash jackpot run began on July 7, and lasted until July 19, generating more than $3.3 million in sales, and an estimated profit of $800,000 for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.
