Michael Mataraza

MICHAEL MATARAZA COCOA Michael Charles Mataraza, 93, died at Wues thoff Brevard Hospice In-pa tient Facility on Saturday, July 19, 2008, sur rounded by his family. Born in Milton, New York on May 20, 1915, he was the son of Charles and Maria Michele Matarazzo. On February 18, 1945 he married Rita Antoinette Abbruzzese, and they resided in Milton until 1979 when they moved to Naples, Florida. In 2007, they moved to Cocoa Village, Florida. Mike volun teered to serve in the US Army during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant, Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in the European Theatre and participated in the Normandy Invasion. He was a life member of the Milton Engine Company and a member of the American Legion Vieby Sutton Post in Marlboro, New York. Survivors include Rita, his wife of 63 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Neil Fino Sr. of Highland, New York; his daughter Diane Mataraza and her fiance Michael Schleiffer of Viera, Florida; his grandson Michael Charles and his wife Deanna Fino of Hopewell Junction, New York; and grandson, Neil Vincent and his wife Elizabeth Fino of Highland, New York. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren Anthony Michael, Victoria Marie, Michael Charles Jr., Dominic Francis, Elizabeth Michele and Joseph Anthony; 27 nieces and nephews and 48 great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Louise Mataraza, Rose Arecco, Marie Martucci and Jean Pallonetti and his brothers, John and Patrick Mataraza. Our entire family was bless ed with his love, care, pas sion, protectiveness, devotion and honor. His favorite saying was "La familia e numero uno!" We extend special thanks to Dr. Vincent Sciortino, Dr. Stephen Watts, Nurse Angel Collins and the extraordinary staff of Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice Care Center. Visitation will be held Satur day, July 26th, from 9 to 10 a.m., at DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marl boro, New York. Reverend William Scafidi will celebrate a Mass of Requiem at 11 a.m., at St. Marys Church, 180 South Street, Newburgh, New York. Entombment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Middlehope, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wuesthoff Hospice and Palliative Care Center, In-Patient Facility, c/o Wuesthoff Health System Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 565002, Rockledge, FL 32956. Local arrangements are entrusted to East Coast Cremation in Rockledge, 632-1350. Please sign guest book at: www.affuneral.com