Councilor hospitalized in Florida
By JOSH RESNEK
Councilor Wayne Matewsky suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida late last week.
The popular and durable city councilor was placed in an induced coma until such time as surgeons will be allowed to operate on him.
As of Tuesday afternoon, he was resting comfortably inside his hospital room, out of the coma, conscious and aware.
Doctors refused to comment on his condition other than to say they are watching him carefully after what appears to have been a rather severe heart attack.
Two of Matewsky’s closest friends, former Representative and local businessman Stat Smith, and former councilor Nicky Saia, have both flown to Florida to be by Matewsky’s bedside.
Council Secretary Mike Mangan and Councilor Mike Marchese have also flown to Florida this week to visit Matewsky’s bedside and to give their support.
“He’s got a strong will to live and both Nicki and I are praying he will survive and recover and come back to Everett healthier than when he left,” Smith told the Leader Herald.
A Leader Herald post on the LH Facebook site about Matewsky falling ill and the family asking for prayers brought almost 3,000 visitors to the site.
Many comments and prayers hoping for his recovery were left by residents from all over the city wishing him the best.
It is expected that Councilor Anthony DiPierro will take Matewsky’s place as acting president of the city council in his absence.
At Monday night’s council meeting, the council offered prayers for Matewsky.
Both DiPierro and Councilor Rosa DeFlorio took turns chairing the meeting Monday night.