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BORN
1938
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
320 N. Washington
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Joseph Mattimoe Obituary
Joseph P. (Joe) Mattimoe, who lived a life of service to his students in the Ann Arbor Public Schools and his neighbors in Ypsilanti died suddenly on October 15, 2023. Joe taught younger students in the Ann Arbor schools for more than thirty years. After moving to an historic home in Ypsilanti with his life partner Henry Prebys, Joe was one of the pioneers in the historic preservation movement in the city, serving on the City’s Historical District Commission and as Board Member and Treasurer of the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation for many years.
Joe was born in Toledo, Ohio on April 5, 1938. His father, Kenneth, was a federal bankruptcy judge there and his mother, Mary Emily Crites was a teacher and mother to seven sons and three daughters.
He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Toledo and, later, a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He started his teaching career in Toledo and southern Michigan, before moving to the Ann Arbor area as a teacher of special education. He later taught sixth and seventh grade mathematics at Mitchell and Scarlett Schools in Ann Arbor, retiring from the latter. He was fondly remembered by many of his students.
Historic preservation became one of his passions when he moved into an 1860s house on Ypsilanti’s east side in 1982. He was joined there by his life partner – and later -- legal spouse, Henry (Hank) Prebys, in 1984. Hank’s shared interest in history stemmed from his position as Director of Exhibits at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
“Hank and Joe” and their beautiful home and “showplace” garden became the center of many events on behalf of historic preservation and gardening in the city – home and garden tours, meetings, parties. And, together, they were kindly neighbors and “mentors” to many younger resident preservationists in the city who came later.
Among Joe’s many other passions were gardening, orchids, and a major collection of the North Carolina pottery known as Jug town.
Joe is survived by his partner, Hank Prebys, to whom he was married in 2015, three brothers, three sisters and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held later.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Mattimoe
17 Entries
Nicole Morris
November 30, 2023
So soda to hear about Mr Mattimoe. I remember him as my teacher at Mitchell and transitioning as my teacher at Scarlett. I remember his face turning beet read with laughter. He was an awesome teacher! Prayers for his family.
Patrice
November 28, 2023
Joe was my friend.
When I think of him, I think of:
the color yellow,
beautiful gardens in every season,
a collection of fine antiques and art,
good food,
Moira,
a well ironed shirt,
time with family and friends,
orchids,
cheese steak hoagies,
chardonay,
sitting by the fire reading books and magazines,
Jug Town,
Jack-in-the-Pulpit,
his laugh, his smile,
his sensitivity for his students,
well taught math skills,
his little dog,
travels,
confidences,
His tremendous love of Hank!
Joe was a good man.
I miss him.
Love you Joe!
Patrice
Ashleigh (DIETZ) Cox
November 14, 2023
In the 1980s I lived at 310 Cross street
And spent 13 years there renovating
a Victorian house. I always admired their garden as I was walking around.
He noticed me admiring it and was very friendly there after. I was always absolutely in love with his glimmering
plum colored antique sofa! He was an inspiring fellow.... rest in peace Joe.
Tim Mattimoe
November 7, 2023
Joe was a favorite cousin and though we were long out of contact, I missed him all those years. Rest in peace, Joe. And my sincere condolences to Hank.
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Nate
October 27, 2023
Sending my deepest condolences to Hank, and all of Joe´s friends and family. I was honored to have met them both years ago and getting to work in their beautiful garden a handful of times was a blessing. I admired them both.
Patricia Muñoz
October 26, 2023
Both of our daughters, Solange and Natalia were lucky to have had Mr. Mattimoe as their 6th Grade teacher. We will always be grateful that they both had such a good academic year with him.
Natalia Muñoz
October 22, 2023
One of my favorite teachers. I was in his 6th grade class at Mitchell and Mr. Mattimoe was NOT to be trifled with. He was strict and sweet, smart and compassionate, and pushed us all to be better students and people. I remember on party / holiday days he would bring a fabulous spinach dip and we would devour it. Even the vegetable-avoiders were thrilled to see that spinach dip. He is one teacher I remember and remember fondly. May his memory be a blessing.
Susie Andrews
October 21, 2023
I can't express my love for Joe without Hank included. They have been a unified entity since Aug. 15, 2003. I've been the lucky one to share working in their gardens with them every year since. With their kindness and support which kept increasing my self esteem to them cheering me on when I wound up as caretaker of the Ladies Literary Club and then to feeling like I "belonged" to the Ypsilanti "Community" myself, too.
But Joe never let me say an discouraging word about myself with out immediately changing it to a beautiful compliment. I feel like he will always be "around"
Betty Kirksey
October 20, 2023
Joe was first a colleague at Mitchell School and then a dear and cherished friend. I will miss him but am grateful for the good times and laughs we shared. So sorry, Hank. Love to you
cj
October 20, 2023
I met Joe many years ago and he left such an impression on me. He was friendly, smart and witty. What an interesting life and amazing person!
dina christine greenway
October 20, 2023
What a treasure to have shared the largest portion of my own history with Joe. Starting in the mid 70's at Mitchell School, (me, a young art teacher and Joe leading our 6th graders), through remodeling houses and relationships, intriguing finds--art, artifacts, handmade carpets--strolls through gardens, tales and adventures shared over dinner, Joe was there. Joe's humor remained intact and his glass half full, always! Like when I brought a sweet golden lab to his "new house wall-paper stripping party" who snatched and devoured the cold cuts from the table while guests were busy with the walls. Joe was gracious and laughed for years whenever he thought of it...
When Hank joined Joe, he brought a richness to the relationship, and the care these two have taken and had for each other is touching and inspiring. (Thank you and much love to you, Hank).
The adjective I give to Joe is kindliness. What a good man, and how it showed in the smile lines of his beautiful face.
May there be ever more adventures in the life beyond. Godspeed and safe passage...
Mary Ann and Terry McDonald
October 19, 2023
In 1988, my husband Terry and I moved into our historic east side home on Heritage Festival weekend. My task of carrying in boxes was interrupted by a tall, elegant man named Hank, who had walked over to introduce himself as our neighbor. We soon after met Joe, and quickly formed a connection with both as they became our go-to resource and sounding board for all things historic, decorative, culinary and garden-related. Our mutual interests blossomed into an enduring 35-year friendship that included many lovely occasions, but also joining forces to support historic preservation and other local causes of the day important to our neighborhood and city. We can hardly imagine having to soldier on without him, but the memory of Joe's gentle humor and the warmth of his friendship will sustain us in the days to come. We are proud to have called him our friend, and will miss him in all the ways that only those who have been so loved can be.
Love, Mary Ann and Terry McDonald
Norm Fischer
October 18, 2023
Joe was a highly regarded consummate professional teacher.
Megan Hagenauer
October 18, 2023
I am sad to hear that Joe passed away - he was a wonderful person. Joe and Hank really went out of their way to make my parents feel welcome when they moved to Ypsi, sharing food and drawing them into the neighborhood social life. Even better, they shared their love of gardening, art, and dedication to the community. I can't imagine better neighbors.
Carol Stacy
October 18, 2023
So sorry to hear of Mr Mattimoes passing he was the best teacher ever . Even when I left Mitchell and Scarlett school I always went a visited him. With sympathy Carol Stacy
Amy Probst
October 18, 2023
I felt so fond of and welcomed by Joe when I moved onto the Depot Town block he and Hank anchored with their dedication, style, and grace. We shared a love for Miatas and an easy smile. I am grateful to Joe and Hank for the community and I now enjoy thanks to their loving efforts for decades. So happy to have crossed paths with Joe. Hank, please reach out if you could use a visit or cup coffee in coming days. My heart is with you. Your neighbor, Amy.
The Staff of Janowiak Funeral Home, Inc.
October 17, 2023
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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