Joseph Anthony Matturro

Joseph Anthony Matturro, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at his home in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Born in The Bronx, New York, he was the son of Pasquale Matturro and Louise (Siniscalchi) Matturro.

Joe graduated from Blessed Sacrament High School and earned a B.A. in History from Niagara University, where he was the first member of his family to attend college. He was proudly inducted into Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and attended graduate school.

Upon graduation, Joe was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served as an Infantry Officer with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina-an experience he held with deep pride.

During college, he met the love of his life, Marjorie "Dee-do" O'Neil. They were married on November 3, 1962, during a short leave Joe was granted due to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After completing military service, Joe started his career at IBM, initially in Poughkeepsie and Utica, NY, and later in the Federal Systems Division in Gaithersburg, MD, where he worked in federal marketing and sales. Later, he held positions at AT&T Information Systems and Hewlett Packard, followed by consulting roles at Allied Technology Group and Penn State University's Research Center. Joe was a proud member of the Washington, DC Rotary Club for more than 35 years.

Joe's love for the game of basketball led him to officiate high school and college games for decades as a member of IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials). His sharp eye and even sharper whistle sometimes resulted in controversial and embarrassing calls against his daughters' classmates.

In 2004, Joe and Marge settled into retirement at The Parke in Ocean Pines, MD, where Joe soon became active in the local community. He served on the Parke Board of Directors and volunteered his time to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Above all else, Joe cherished his beloved Marge and was endlessly proud of their three daughters: Ann, Traci, and Christine. He held deep affection for his sons-in-law and adored his seven grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. His life was enriched by lasting friendships formed through high school, college, the military, his career, and countless tennis matches-bonds he treasured and nurtured with care.

Joe possessed an extraordinary curiosity about people and an uncanny ability to remember details that mattered. Whether a lifelong friend or a casual acquaintance, he made everyone feel seen, heard, and remembered and was a father figure to many of his daughters' friends. He will be remembered not only for his big heart and incredible memory, but for his gift of connection.

One of Joe's signature traits was his playful wit-especially his knack for coming up with unforgettable nicknames. Neighbors, friends, coaches, politicians, grandchildren, boyfriends and girlfriends-really anyone who inspired his imagination.

In his spare time, Joe loved playing tennis and was a lifelong, die-hard Penn State football fan. A dedicated "indoorsman," he was a passionate television viewer of political commentary, the news, and sports. He didn't just watch; he participated, offering loud, running commentary. After a day of discouraging headlines, he liked to unwind with his signature cocktail: an extra-dry martini with "a splash" of vermouth.

Joe lived with intensity, humor, and heart. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Matturro; three daughters, Ann Gault (William), Traci Ambrosi (Anthony), and Christine McLaughlin (William); a sister, Barbara Rumpf; brother-in-law, John O'Neil; sister-in-law, Judy O'Neil; seven grandchildren, Ryan Kellner (James), William Gault (Hannah), Caroline Gault, Grace Gault, Joseph McLaughlin, Thomas McLaughlin, and William McLaughlin V; a niece, Michelle (née Rumpf) and her husband, Chris Stevens, and great niece Noelle Cummins; and step-grandchildren, Anthony ("Sonny") Ambrosi and Angela Ambrosi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law: Thomas Rumpf and James O'Neil.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Joseph asked that donations in his memory be made to The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 1576, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home.