Michael S. Matta

News Death Notice

MATTA, Michael S. 70, of Edwardsville, born February 22, 1940, died Monday, January 3, 2011 in his home. Michael is survived by his wife Wilma (Davidson). They have three children: John D. Matta of Ogunquit, ME; Jane (Thomas) Cunningham of Chesterfield, MO; and Anne Campana of San Marcos, CA; 6 grandchildren, Alexander Bai, Cassidy, Jack, Ben and Chloe Cunningham of Chesterfield, MO and Kylie Campana of San Marcos, CA. He is also survived by his sister Cecilia (Jack) Schmitz of Dayton, OH and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael T. and Ida (Plosky) Matta. Michael was a member of the Chemistry Faculty at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Michael retired as an Emeritus Professor of Chemistry in 1996. He received his B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Dayton, Ohio, in 1962 and his Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana in 1966. For the past 34 years Michael has been writing college and high school level chemistry textbooks. He was known locally for his fine woodworking and watercolors. He was a member of the Edwardsville Area Woodworkers Club. Visitation will at Weber and Rodney Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Thursday Jan. 6 from 4p.m. to 8p.m. and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 7 at the funeral home . Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to KETC TV, 3655 Olive St, MO 63108; or St Louis Public Radio, One University Blvd, St Louis MO 63121.