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Joseph Matranga Obituary
After serving in the navy during World War II, in 1947 Joe opened an Italian restaurant on Houston's northside called the "Ding-a-Ling". Eventually he would change the name to Joe Matranga's Italian Restaurant. Customers drove from all parts of Houston to eat Joe's spaghetti and meatballs. He was given the honor of having the "Oldest Italian Restaurant" in Houston before retiring in 1990.
Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, Joe sang through the years for just about every Italian wedding and funeral in the city of Houston. Anyone that ever met Joe was always entertained with his great sense of humor. His zest for life and the love he showed for his family & friends will be truly missed.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2013 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in the Warren Chapel, St. Dominic Village, 2401 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021, followed by a private graveside service.
Joe truly loved & enjoyed living at St. Dominic Village and the family would like to thank the staff for the wonderful care given to him. A special thank you to his sister Theresa Sagan for her love and support.
The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Dominic Village, attention: Ruth Stanley.
If you listen closely, you will hear singing and laughter coming from the heavens above.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Matranga
Joseph A. Sposito 3rd
November 23, 2023
My dad and Joe were in the service together . I remember going to the restaurant and we were treated like kings . Joe would put me on his shoulder and walk me around the restaurant !Good memory !
Dolores Davis
May 13, 2021
Joe was so nice and good to my mother Antoinette when she first lived down the hall from him. It was a while before her phone was connected so he always let her use his when she needed to call me. God bless you, Joe.
June 9, 2013
Joe was the first resident I met at St. Dominic when I was visiting the independent living area, looking for a home for my mother Antoinette. He was so helpful and when my mother moved in and had no phone service, Joe was so kind to let her use his telephone to call me. When I was just a tyke, my Aunt Jessie and Uncle Johnny would take me to eat at Matranga's which was just a few blocks from their home. I miss seeing Joe when I visit my mom who is in the nursing home now. I know Joe is in Heaven playing that beautiful music he used to play at Charlotte Hall. Dolores Rankin Davis (Missouri City)
Liz Trapolino
June 3, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Matranga family. I grew up eating at Joe Matranga's and have so many wonderful memories of our times there. I remember going with my Daddy or my Uncle Jerome to deliver spaghetti from my Grandpa's Italian Import Company. Joe and Theresa both sang at my wedding. I will always remember his beautiful voice, his zest for life, His kind heart and of course those wine bottle candles at the restaurant with all the wax dripping down. God Bless. He will be truly missed.
Jimmy Buchannan,Jr
May 27, 2013
Dear Joe God has called you home where the tenor voice you command will forever enhance the Angels Choir! I grew up basically across Irvington at Boyett's auto Parts. Joe you are the quintessential host , never meeting a stranger. My Mother and Dad, Maxine and Jimmy Buchannan loved you, your songs, and the wonderful food you served. Never failing to meet and welcome customers, a true Gentleman! I thank you for the lessons of compassion and love of self, family, and mankind in general. I was fortunate and blessed to know you and Your son George. I carry many memories from "JOE MATRANGA'S" restaurant and as one of my favorite customers! I pray your parting will give to all the hope and promise God gave us all. Heaven wouldn't be complete without you! May God bless your soul and keep you singing with the Angels. Thanks for your love and friendship over the years we shared on Irvington. Thanks for the wonderful example of a loving husband,& father along with the great respect you gave to all! Your faith will afford family and friends your passing is a beginning!
"Thanks a million kid"
Barb & Bill Moore w/"Faithful Paws"
May 23, 2013
Every month we visited St. Dom's with our Sheltie therapy dogs who especially liked to go see Joe. Willow would sometimes get on the floorboard of his Hot Rod and go for a short spin. We found him a bumper sticker that he carried in the basket of his cart and shared it with us every time we saw him. He would get a big smile on his face as he read " Dear Lord, please make me the kind of man my dog thinks I am". We will miss him so much. God did bless us, Joe, when we met you.
May 22, 2013
Jeremy Faas
Trudy A.
May 22, 2013
The first time I met Joe was in 1964 when Sam took me to the Ding-a-Ling Restaurant to see his uncle. As we entered the kitchen, there was Joe, sitting on a tall stool, visiting with a friend, talking nonstop, effortlessly scooping and handrolling scores of meatballs, each the perfect size, never taking his eyes off of his guest. When he heard Sam's voice, he broke into song, loud and happy, and the jokes started flying. I fell instantly in love with the Matranga family and Joe melted my heart, year after year. I was honored to become the daughter-in-law of his sister Maude whom I love dearly to this day. Thank you, Joe, for sharing your jest for life.
May 21, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences go out to George, Tammie, Luke and all of the Matranga family. My husband and I met Joe while we were in high school and Matranga's quickly became "our favorite place to eat" until the day that Joe retired. He always came by our table and chatted with us making us feel very special. We truly loved Joe and he will always have a very special place in our hearts! How blessed we were to have him in our lives. Kathy & Larry Lunsford (Spring Texas)
May 21, 2013
We will miss Uncle Joe, what a blessing to have him in our life. His magnetic personality, love and voice that will not be forgotten. Blessings to all the family. Love, Pam (Georgianne's other daughter that looked like Bill)and Jeff
Holley Martinez
May 20, 2013
Dear "Hot Rod"...The day has long last come...and you have gone away. My heart rejoices in the knowledge that you are at home with The Lord. It is also filled with sadness at your parting ...wonderful friend...Rest in peace...Until we meet again....I just know what you are singing at the top of your voice.."Hey, Baby, I made it to the top and Heaven is definitely da right place!" Great man...awesome friend! Love ya, Joe Joe! Holley
Angela Goins
May 20, 2013
I knew Papa Joe from Holy Name Church as a little girl and then as a young adult. I remember him singing at the St Joseph's tables and events at Holy Name. He sang a beautiful rendition of "Return to Sorrento." Years later, I went to Sorrento and bought him a music that played "Return To Sorrento." I took it to him at St Dominic's and he was so touched that I thought of him in the "old" country. I will never forget him or his restaurant on Irvington on North Side where I still live. I think of him everytime I drive by there. Rest in Peace, Papa Joe!!
Dominic Palermo
May 20, 2013
My family always loved to eat a Joes. Joe was always so nice to us and made us feel like we where the only people there. My dad always would go in the back room which was kind of dark and meet with some other men. We would see folks from all walks of life. I remember Mr Matranga always had a funny horn on his car and as a child I thought he was old having faught as a gladiator and lived to tell about the picture that hung on the wall. We sing the praises of you now Mr. Matranga. God Bless You and Your Family.
Paul Vitanza
May 20, 2013
He and his restaurant was a legend. Now God will have the best pasta ever served to him by a wonderful man.
Lauri Ethridge Kalivoda
May 20, 2013
Fond memories of this sweet man. He will truly be missed.
Thomas Bonar
May 20, 2013
I remember good times with my dad at your wonderful restaurant. God bless you.
May 20, 2013
Oh Uncle Joe, how I always wanted there to be something to do when I first visited you at the hospice. I loved hoping on the back of your scooter and going around everywhere. I remember how it smelled and I was such an awful little kid. My favorite memories are still from that hospice, but they're rivaled by the times you came into Mamaw's house and sat down on one of the pews. You gave the best hugs. You had the greatest, most soulful voice, that even an unsettled and squirmy kid like myself would sit and listen. You will be missed.
May 20, 2013
Mr. Matranga, may you rest in peace and my family's prayers go out to your family. I remember my parents, Jessie and Anthony Green, taking me, as a little girl, to eat at Matranga's. We went at least once every 2 weeks. May God be with you and your family!!
Sharon Green Crisman
Jessie Janowski Green
Joe Garcia
May 20, 2013
I was between the ages of 6 to 15 at the time when my mom and dad would take me and my sister to Joe Matranga's Restaurant. Joe Matranga had a unique style of blending of spices to his Italian Entrees that no other Italian restaurant in Houston could duplicate. I will always remember the best Italian restaurant once stood on Irvington. Thank you Mr. Matranga for sharing your life with us, and your wonderful food that we will always remember.
Rest In Peace Mr. Joe Matranga
Vincent Andolini
May 19, 2013
I see you at the gate greeting Peter with a big "Why hello there...." I remember all the good things Marvin Zindler would say about the restaurant. My father would take us there at least once a month and he would talk about all the business he would conduct. I can remember when your son I believe would play the piano. This is and end of a time that will be very hard to duplicate. Now is the time to turn to each other and say thank you for all you have done. I didn't get the chance to say thank you Joe for the great memories.
God be with you and all the Matranga Family
J D Martin family
May 19, 2013
We've missed your restuarant since you closed years ago. We spent many of our anniversaries there. You were always a gracious host speaking to everyone in the place. You were always a great help to our children's school for the annual spaghetti dinner fund raiser by donating the spaghetti pasta. We will soon have our 50th anniversary and we still talk about going to Matrangas. God bless your family in time of sorrow.
Sam Hernandez
May 19, 2013
Mr Joe rest in peace and thank you for your kindness when I was little and you gave me job in your restaurant where I learned how to work. I have never forgotton the singing you did in the barber shop next door or when you were making your food from scratch. God Bless you Sir.
May 19, 2013
Joe, I will always remember you sitting in your chair taking in the sun in the middle of the street in front of St Dominique Gift Shop and visiting with everyone that came along. Most of all I was always impressed with the way you waited on the sidewalk for the last car to go buy in a funeral procession after Mass at Warren Chapel. I told you one time that I wanted you to do the same for me. You checked out on me but now you will have a better view. Carry on!
Margaret Whitmire
Tony B
May 19, 2013
It was a pleasure to eat at Joes. We often tried to eat the pound of pasta but could never pull it off. I remember as soon as you walked in the door the little ding-a-ling and the smell of great Italian spices would hit your nose, at that point your mouth would begin to water. About five minutes into your meal Joe would come by and tell you a great joke and make you feel like a million bucks. I have lived in New York my whole life and travel the world and have never been able to find a place that compares. The real deal from food to owner to staff. One thing is certain, heaven has a new chef and I can't wait to eat at HIS table. God Bless you Joe and Family
Michael Corleone
May 19, 2013
See Joe Matranga sing. Copy and paste the following or just google search joe matranga you tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcJ55Hs2wck
Even in his final years he had a strong voice. How lucky to have him sing at my wedding.
Jack Hernandez
May 19, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Matranga. Thank you for my first job as a busboy at the restaurant. Thanks for the occasional Friday night at "the King" to go grab a burger with some of the staff. The spaghetti and garlic bread at the restaurant was the best. You were a class act. God Bless!
Barbara Tims Perrin
May 19, 2013
I remember going to a private party at the Ding-A-Ling probably in 1958. Mr. Joe let the teens play the juke box and dance. It was a different time for sure. RIP Mr Joe
Jeri ~ Paratore Chisholm
May 19, 2013
A special man. Very Special.
May 19, 2013
God Bless you Mr. Joe - you were always so kind to my mother and she loved working for you. It wasn't a job to her the restaurant and the staff were her second family. You always made her feel so welcome and her days at the restaurant were some of the happiest days of her life. You did that - with your booming voice, your kind nature and your sincere love of all people. Rest in Peace - dear man, I know your are singing tendor in Gods choir. Frances Barr for Dorothy Kucera.
Karen Macejewski
May 19, 2013
I remember going to eat at your restaurant with my parents in the early 1960's. You and my father Pat Marler used to sing together then, too. I always looked forward to seeing you. May you rest in peace and be reunited with your loving wife.
Jenny and Joe Lyons
May 19, 2013
My husband, Joe, and I loved seeing Joe at St. Dominic's through many years. We always knew we would hear him say, "God bless you" as we said good-bye. And now, God has blessed him and called him home. I pray for peace for the family during this difficult time.
May 19, 2013
We will forever remember your love of Jesus,your loving family,your wonderful meatballs,your endless jokes,and so much more.Your baby sister Maude...Rest in Peace Joe Joe.
Sandra Cantu
May 19, 2013
Rip I can remember eating at Joe's .....Thanks for the memories !!!
Miguel Rosales
May 19, 2013
Joe Matranga today I celebrate your life and shed a tear for you. Took many a date to your restaurant. Didn't know it then but I realized it later in life why your place was a favorite. Times were much different in Houston in the 50's and 60's and I didn't feel welcome in many places outside our close Mexican community. When I went to Matranga's, Mr. Joe reached out and made sure I knew I was welcomed. I couldfeel his energy and his generosity of spirit. He would turn a simple date for pizza into a magical evening. I owe you Mr. Joe.
Karen Vitanza Ruffner
May 19, 2013
To the family of Joe Matranga,May your hearts be filled with the love of God to know that he is in heaven forever.Peace and comfort to the family.the North side of Houston will never be the sme without this man but he will live on in memories of his spirit and the pasta.My family lived on Cetti st.right near the restaurant,my parents George and Laura Vitanza always said wonderful words about Joe and the resaurant.Rest in peace,Joe and you were the wonderful example of what Italians are like.
John Palermo
May 19, 2013
I am praying for Uncle Joe's children and family members in this difficult time that Jesus Christ would give them the peace that passes understanding as only He can give. God bless you all.
Susie Askanase
May 19, 2013
My husband & I loved going to "Joe Mateangas Restaurant." We have many fond memories of the delicious dinners, talking with Joe & seeing that wonderful painting where the artist used him to model. We have regularly said through the years that we wish it were still around! We wish him a peaceful journey and send our sympathy to his family. He was quite a man!
Joey Navarro
May 18, 2013
I loved you Mr. Joe you made a great difference in my life. You gave me a great work ethic just by driving me to do my best and I always tiered to please you. Also watching you work so hard making Matranga,s Italian Restraunt Famous a unique dining experience. I will miss you but I will never forget you.
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