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Matt Conte Obituary
Matt, 85, of Glendale, Arizona passed away on March 17, 2012 of natural causes. He was married for 62 years to Dorothea Yannella Conte who passed away in July of 2011. He died of a broken heart. Matt was born in Scranton, PA on October 5, 1926 and was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School in 1944. Upon graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp where he fought bravely in the Pacific Theater on Guam, then Okinawa and finished his tour of duty as a China Marine where he was wounded in combat. After the war he received a Football scholarship to St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY, a member of the class of 1951. That year he was hired by the Olean Unified School District as Physical Education teacher and assistant Football coach for the Olean High School Huskies. Later he coached at Franklinville High School and then those memorable years as Head Football Coach for the Archbishop Walsh High School Eagles. His final contribution to the Western New York community was as Athletic Director of the Olean Unified School District. In the summers of those early years he was the manager of the Olean Municipal "Big Pool" and later the Bartlett Country Club Pool. In 1981 he, Dorothea and son Matthew moved to the Phoenix area where Matt again became Athletic Director and Head Football Coach for the Gerard Catholic High School Red Coats. He was a long time member of the Arizona Bills Backers Club. He is survived by his three children, sons Mark and Matthew Conte, daughter Lynne Conte-Landi, and 5 grandchildren. He and wife Dorothea enjoyed years of travel and RV camping throughout the country. His energy, enthusiasm and winning attitude positively influenced generations of his students and athletes. His loss has saddened friends and relatives alike leaving a void that will be difficult to replace, he will be greatly missed by all. His final resting place will be with his wife Dorothea at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany, NY. Tentative plans are for a service and burial for both together in June of 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matt Conte
Joe Santaniello
April 10, 2012
My condolences on his passing. God Bless Cousin Matt. I haven't seen him since I was a little kid, some 65 years ago, but I always remembered him and my cousin Lorraine. They lived up the street from my grandfather's bar. He was one real nice person. That's why I always remembered him.
Brian McNamee
April 5, 2012
Matt Conte was a giant of a person with a huge heart. He had a tremendous impact on so many people, and I am lucky to have been one of them. RIP to a legend.
Mary Nell Hurley Schmitz
April 5, 2012
A very big part of who I am today. From Bartlett Swimming to Driver's Ed. What a wonderful kind man.
Michael Litzinger
April 4, 2012
God bless you Coach! Thanks for picking me up every morning on the way to swim practice! You were one of a kind!
Pat McNamee Tempesta
April 4, 2012
Mr. Conte was the best! We all loved him. I remember him best as director of the Bartlett pool. We always liked being kidded by him.
April 1, 2012
Coach - Thank you for helping me. I'll see you in June At Bonas.
Dutch Padlo - Olean, NY
March 27, 2012
Dear Conte family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
Janie Hamlin
Breckenridge, CO
Chaplain Richard Reuer
March 27, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. "Honoring Those Who Served-Ministry" -Chaplain Richard Reuer, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701 "Semper Fi"
Bob Dalton
March 27, 2012
Rest in peace coach. My coach from grade school at Saint Agnes to high at Gerard you were a great man.
Raymond Perez
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family,
He is and always will be a great man. He molded and shaped me as a young youth to help me become the man I am today.
Thanks Coach!
Ted Slivinski
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family, my condolences are with you in this time of sorrow. He was a GREAT man, and without him I would not be the man I am today!
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family,
Your father will forever be remembered. He was a huge influence in my life. We use to have many chats. He inspired me to give life my all and to never give up. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Lisa Carlson (1981 Olean Huskie Pup)
Jon Kranock
March 26, 2012
Mr. Conte was an amazing teacher/coach/mentor. He had the ability to make every student/athlete feel special. God Bless.
Tom Nabity
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family, Our deepest sympathies during this time. All I can say is thank you for sharing a great man. He taught so many so much.
Timothy Donovan
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family, my deepest condolences for your loss. Coach Conte has always held a prominent place in my esteem. It was an honor to have him as my coach at Gerard. His message of God, family and school still resonates deeply with me.
Patrick Rice
March 26, 2012
Dear Conte Family,
Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss.
Every Marine, past and present is an honored part of our family.
We will never forget the bravery and enormous sacrifice of his generation.
Semper Fi,
Patrick Rice
Marine Corps League
Detachment 1296
East Valley Marines
Michele Yasson
March 25, 2012
Lynn, Mark and Matthew,
Our sincerest condolences go out to you and your families during this difficult time. My memories of your family are many and wonderful.
Michele (Slavin) and Tom Yasson
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