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BORN
1931
DIED
2017
Thomas Matey Obituary
Thomas W. Matey, Sr., "Tom", peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 7, at the age of 86 years old. Born April 21, 1931 and raised in Warren, Ohio, Tom was the youngest of 7 children of the late Stephen & Maria Matey. Graduated from Warren Harding High School and the University of Notre Dame (BA '53). Loving husband to his wife of 62 years, Violet, Miss Indiana 1953. Tom started his career with Inland Steel in Indianapolis, then Chicago where he spent most of his career as a Steel Executive. In 1979, Tom and Vi started their second career in Brevard County as developers of the Las Olas Beach Club timeshare resorts in Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach. They were early leaders in the timeshare industry, and affiliated with Resort Condominiums International since 1979. Over the next 38 years, Tom touched the lives of thousands of timeshare owners and visitors to the Las Olas properties. Today, their children and son-in-law continue operating their legacy resorts. Tom and Vi lived at Bay Hill Country Club in Orlando for 33 years before moving to Brevard County and semi-retirement 5 years ago. They shared a love for travel and most journeys were planned around golf. Tom was a NCAA All American and captain of the ND golf team and won many tournaments including the Ohio High School Championship, the Illinois State Amateur Championship, and numerous Club Championships and was a participant in the USGA Open Championship, the USGA Amateur Championship and the British Amateur Golf Championship. He is a member of the Warren Sports Hall of Fame, Notre Dame Hall of Fame and of the prestigious Society of Seniors, home to the top senior amateur golfers in the country. Tom was a lifelong Catholic and Republican, holding strong conservative values, a great leader and mentor. He taught us all the value of hard work but also to enjoy life and the people around you. His family was his priority but he also loved fishing in the Florida Keys, his Slovak heritage, old country music, Polkas and was a patriotic American.
He is survived by his wife, Violet, and four children: Christina (Tim) Nolan, Tom Matey, Jr., Rebecca Matey, all of Brevard County; Maria (Tom) Locke and granddaughter Elizabeth of Eagle, CO. Predeceased by daughter Ann and four siblings. Also survived by sister Anne (Matt) Smith of Vero Beach, FL; Brother Frank (Joanne) Matey of Malvern, PA; sister-in-law Lorrie (Joe) Coens of Ontario, Canada; many nieces, nephews and their families and the many extended family members of the Las Olas Beach Clubs.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be made to Young America's Foundation (www.yaf.org), Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine (www.maryqueen
oftheuniverse.org) or charity of your choice. Services will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Matey
Sponsored by Florida Today.
Dennis Benning
December 31, 2021
Very belated but I knew Tom when I was a junior buyer in chicago heights Illinois. At that time he was manager of bar sales for Inland Steel. Mike Puffer was our sales rep from Inland. I remember golf outings at Knollwood and Black Hawk hockey games. I will remember him as the best golfer I ever played with.
However I also rembering him tell me if you drink grapefruit before martini it will not affect you--Tom was wrong.
Shirleyanne Littleton
November 3, 2017
You were a joy to know! Your family..all..warm..and..wonderful. such an honor.to care for you..and get to know you. Every time..I see baby ducks.(like we saw at your back door)...hear certain..songs. see your Becky..Tom..Chris. Will feel your loving presence! You..are quite the gentleman..your..precious..wife..was blessed..to have you. See you again..soon..bet you are..playing..golf..right now..in..that..world..you have gone..to..Rest. you lived..a good..wonderful..life! God. Bless..you..and..yours! Just..your..earthbound friend..Shirleyanne Littleton
Jim & Sally O'Neal
October 18, 2017
Sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was a fun and generous person. Tom was loyal to his friends. He will be missed. His smile and personality added a touch of class everywhere he visited. We send our thoughts and prayers to The Matey Family for their loss.
Cindy Mitchell
September 29, 2017
So many wonderful memories of the Matey clan. Fortunate enough to have been included in hawks games, notre dame games, trips to knollwood.ect ect ect. Mr. Matey was a lovely kind and generous man . I know he is missed
Andy Skuntz
September 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to the whole Matey Family. Tom was so much more than the developer of Las Olas. He and his lovely wife, Vi, were the heart and soul of the Las Olas Family. He was always happy to see guests and friends, and always had great stories to tell. He will be missed by all. God bless the Matey Family in their time of grief.
September 17, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Matey family. Tom was such a kind, loving and welcoming man. He will be missed by so many.
Love, Carl and Kass Perretta
September 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Matey family at this difficult time. Peggy and I met Tom 30 years ago at Satellite's Las Olas and were taken in by his infectious smile, charming personality and wonderful stories! We've felt like family since! God Bless you Tom! You've left a wonderful legacy!
Peggy &Joe
Cincinnati
ED DICKINSON
September 17, 2017
Our deepest simpathy and prayers to the Matey family. More than 30 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting him and was immediately taken by his sense of business and love for family. His memory will live on through his children who we consider our extended family.Love you all and look forward to seeing you soon to personally express our sorrow for his loss.ED and TODD Dickinson Troy,NY.
Wendy Hersh
September 17, 2017
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. There are no words to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendy Hersh & family
Joe & Ruth Thompson
September 16, 2017
We will always remember Tom's kindness toward us. He will be sorely missed. Love and prayers go out to all of you
September 16, 2017
Please accep our deepest sympathy. . You are in our prayers.
Carol and Ray Haynes
Wendy Lustbader
September 16, 2017
Tom will be missed. Growing up I remember his rosey checks, genuine smile and 'Matey' laugh. I hadn't seen Tom in years, but I have fond memories. He will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace, Tom ❤
Barb & Tom Smeltzer
September 16, 2017
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing! Quite a great guy! Our condolences, Chris.
September 16, 2017
So sorry for your loss - Our thoughts are with you
Gary - Bobbie and Nancy Steele
I believe he and Ann are together watching out for you all :-)
Beth Neuger
September 16, 2017
Condolences to the Matey family. We have had the opportunity to visit wit Tom many times over our appx 20 years at Las Olas. What a kind and caring individual, prayers are sent your way.
Peace be with you all,
The Neugers from Colorado
Richard Mooty
September 16, 2017
Say it isn't so. He will always be " The Big Cheese ". I would have wished for one more beer and another story. Rest In Peace Tom and thanks for all you taught me.
Janette&Tommy Wilkerson
September 16, 2017
Remembering many good times with Tom at Las Olas. Prayers go out to all of you.
Angela Agee
September 16, 2017
September 16, 2017
Robert Reafler
September 16, 2017
Chris and Tim,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brian Cherol
September 16, 2017
I will miss our talks about how thing and the people were back in the day in Warren Ohio. Rest In Peace Tom.
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