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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Washington,
      D.C.&#160;&#160;20549</font></div>
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      8-K</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">CURRENT
      REPORT</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Pursuant
      to Section 13 or 15(d) of</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Date
      of
      Report (Date of earliest event reported):</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">January
      18, 2008</font></div>
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      INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION</u></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(Exact
      name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div>
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            </td>
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            </td>
            <td valign="top" width="26%">
              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><u>25-0644320</u></font></div>
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              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(State
                or other jurisdiction of incorporation</font></div>
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                File Number)</font></div>
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              <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(IRS
                Employer Identification No.)</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">&#160;<u>Two
      NorthShore Center, Pittsburgh,
      PA</u>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;<u>15212-5851</u></font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(Address
      of principal executive
      offices)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(Zip
      Code)</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Registrant's
      telephone number, including area
      code:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;(412)
      442-8200</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Item
      5.02&#160;&#160;Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of
      Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Matthews
      International Corporation today reported that David J. DeCarlo has announced
      his
      plans for retirement from employment with the Company.&#160;&#160;Mr. DeCarlo
      plans to retire from employment in February 2008, but will continue to serve
      on
      the Board of Directors.&#160;&#160;Under the Company&#8217;s Corporate Governance
      Guidelines, he can continue to serve as a member of the Board for up to one
      year
      following his retirement date.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Mr.
      DeCarlo is Vice Chairman and has been a director of the Company since
      1987.&#160;&#160;He joined Matthews in 1985 as Director of Financial Planning
      and Analysis and was named Division Manager of the Bronze Division and appointed
      Vice President in 1986.&#160;&#160;He was elected President, Bronze Division in
      November 1993, Group President, Bronze and Casket Divisions in February 2004
      and
      Vice Chairman in September 2005.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Joseph
      C.
      Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Matthews International
      Corporation, stated: &#8220;Mr. DeCarlo&#8217;s service and contributions to Matthews have
      been tremendous.&#160;&#160;Under his leadership,&#160;sales and profitability
      of the Bronze Division have grown every year for over 20 years.&#160;&#160;In
      addition, he has helped provide a solid foundation for success in our Casket
      business.&#160;&#160;It has been a privilege to work with Mr. DeCarlo and he
      certainly deserves our best wishes on a well-earned retirement.&#160;&#160;I
      look forward to his continued support and guidance as a member of the
      Board.&#8221;</font></div>
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">SIGNATURES</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Pursuant
      to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
      has
      duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
      duly authorized.</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 252pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">MATTHEWS
      INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 288pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">(Registrant)</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 288pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;"><u>By&#160;&#160;Steven
      F. Nicola</u></font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 288pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Steven
      F.
      Nicola</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 288pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Chief
      Financial Officer,</font></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 288pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">Secretary
      and Treasurer</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div><br></div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman;">January
      18, 2008</font></div>
    <div><br></div>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP", "cik": "0000063296", "assigned-sic": "3360", "irs-number": "250644320", "state-of-incorporation": "PA", "fiscal-year-end": "0930"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-09115", "film-number": "08538730"}, "business-address": {"street1": "TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER", "city": "PITTSBURGH", "state": "PA", "zip": "15212-5851", "phone": "4124428200"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER", "city": "PITTSBURGH", "state": "PA", "zip": "15212-5851"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "MATTHEWS JAMES H & CO", "date-changed": "19780823"}}
form8k-planretirementdecarlo.htm
UNITED
      STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
      D.C.  20549
Form
      8-K
CURRENT
      REPORT
Pursuant
      to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date
      of
      Report (Date of earliest event reported):
January
      18, 2008
MATTHEWS
      INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact
      name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania
0-9115
25-0644320
(State
                or other jurisdiction of incorporation
(Commission
                File Number)
(IRS
                Employer Identification No.)
Two
      NorthShore Center, Pittsburgh,
      PA
15212-5851
(Address
      of principal executive
      offices)                                                                                                           (Zip
      Code)
Registrant's
      telephone number, including area
      code:                                                                                                (412)
      442-8200
Item
      5.02  Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of
      Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers
Matthews
      International Corporation today reported that David J. DeCarlo has announced
      his
      plans for retirement from employment with the Company.  Mr. DeCarlo
      plans to retire from employment in February 2008, but will continue to serve
      on
      the Board of Directors.  Under the Company's Corporate Governance
      Guidelines, he can continue to serve as a member of the Board for up to one
      year
      following his retirement date.
Mr.
      DeCarlo is Vice Chairman and has been a director of the Company since
      1987.  He joined Matthews in 1985 as Director of Financial Planning
      and Analysis and was named Division Manager of the Bronze Division and appointed
      Vice President in 1986.  He was elected President, Bronze Division in
      November 1993, Group President, Bronze and Casket Divisions in February 2004
      and
      Vice Chairman in September 2005.
Joseph
      C.
      Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Matthews International
      Corporation, stated: "Mr. DeCarlo's service and contributions to Matthews have
      been tremendous.  Under his leadership, sales and profitability
      of the Bronze Division have grown every year for over 20 years.  In
      addition, he has helped provide a solid foundation for success in our Casket
      business.  It has been a privilege to work with Mr. DeCarlo and he
      certainly deserves our best wishes on a well-earned retirement.  I
      look forward to his continued support and guidance as a member of the
      Board."
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
      to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
      has
      duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto
      duly authorized.
MATTHEWS
      INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By  Steven
      F. Nicola
Steven
      F.
      Nicola
Chief
      Financial Officer,
Secretary
      and Treasurer
January
      18, 2008