Thomas Aquinas Mattie

Thomas Aquinas Mattie, of Rego Park, New York, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026 at the age of 77, with family by his side during his final days, surrounded by love. He received the Sacraments of the Catholic Church before his passing. He was born on November 2, 1948, and he is the son of William Henry Mattie and Mary Helen Mattie. Thomas grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and he was a graduate of Portsmouth Catholic High School, Santa Barbara City College, San Francisco Art Institute, and Massachusetts College of Art. He served our country for four years with the U.S. Air Force. He went on to become an independent professional photographer, and then eventually the first digital photo manager at several magazines in New York. A brilliant artist with an eye for detail, an avid surfer, a hobby genealogist who compiled our family's history, and a hardworking husband and father, Thomas had a multitude of interests that he dedicated himself passionately to over the course of his 77 years. He was creative, extroverted, and work-oriented. We will deeply miss his enthusiastic conversations, his artistic perspectives, and his warm laughter.

Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Yan Ni Mattie; his son, Anzhu Ni Mattie; and his daughter, Anmei Ni Gomez (and her husband Andres Roberto Gomez). He is also survived by his siblings Ann Howard and Paul Mattie, as well as his many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He is predeceased by his siblings William Mattie, Robert Mattie, Margaret Lessard, and Frederick Mattie.

A graveside service with military honors will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 1 PM at Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, NY. Thomas' final resting place will be Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/) in memory of Thomas.