Matt attended Purdue University where he attained Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering. While a university student, Matt also participated in ROTC. He later served as an officer of the United States Army and was honorably discharged as captain.

He started his career at the Asphalt Institute in 1969; from there, he served on the faculty at the University of Maryland for 26 years, being named a Distinguished Professor, then becoming Professor of Civil Engineering at Arizona State until his retirement in 2012.

A master in his field, Dr. Matthew Witczak was an internationally renowned expert in highway and airfield pavement engineering, design, and analysis.

Matt knew the importance of community, and he remained involved in a great number of communities across his lifetime. Whether it be the Catholic Catechism Director at the family church, the coach of his sons' little league baseball teams, PTA President, or establishing a scholarship fund for students in financial need at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Matt believed we all can and should always give back. He readily gave his time and talent with zeal as well as humor; he was an undeniable role model of community stewardship for his children and grandchildren. Through it all, Matt valued and cherished his colleagues from home as well as from every corner of the world; he was an inspiration to his students through his scholarship, research contributions, and mentoring. Authorship by Dr. Matthew Witczak included the seminal textbook Principles of Pavement Design, numerous international manuals and theoretical guides as well as over 120 technical papers and reports in the areas of highway and pavement design, rehabilitation, and materials. Throughout his stellar career, he received many prestigious awards and honors including those from the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, APT, The Transportation Research Board, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Asphalt Pavement Association, the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, and the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Matthew Witczak was a beacon of strength, integrity, and family values. He will be missed beyond measure; yet, his legacy will live on forever.

He was predeceased by his first wife of 44 years, Dawn (Spotilla). He is survived by their four children and spouses, five grandchildren and his first great-grandchild. He is also survived by his second wife, Claudia Zapata and her son and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Matthew W. Witczak Graduate Award in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland at https://giving.umd.edu/giving/Fund.php?namedr-matthew-w-witczak-graduate-award or the Dr. Matthew W. Witczak Endowment from the Ira Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University at https://www.asufoundation.org/education-and-scholarship/donor-named-funds/dr.-matthew-w.-witczak-endowment-CA105694.html