Thomas Oliver Matella

Thomas O. Matella, Virginia Beach – Thomas (Tom) Oliver Matella, 74, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach on Sunday, February 1, 2026. He was born at Mitchel Air Force Base in Hempstead, NY, son of the late Joseph V. Matella and Glenna M. Perkins. Tom spent most of his childhood in Tustin, CA, graduating from Servite High School. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1973. While still a midshipman, Tom met his future wife, Katherine (Kathy), in 1971 at a mixer and was wed two years later at the Naval Academy Chapel, immediately upon graduation. Military orders brought Tom to his first duty station in Norfolk, VA where he served as a Surface Warfare Officer. After transitioning into the Naval Reserves, Tom subsequently separated at the rank of Lieutenant Commander and resided in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Houston, TX, and Harrisonburg, VA, before returning to the Virginia Beach area where he spent his last 30 years.

Tom was a brother, father, husband, and sailor. Despite the challenges of raising four children and many months away at sea , Tom was a devoted family man. He was licensed as a civilian merchant mariner, performing roles as First Mate and Chief Engineer aboard multiple USNS and Military Sealift Command ships, circumnavigating the globe countless times at sea.

Tom loved to meet new people and learn new things. With a warm smile and dry sense of humor, he made friends from all walks of life who shared the similar experience of truly feeling seen and cared about. Tom remembered everything you told him and was always excited to receive updates, picking up exactly where you left off – no matter how much time may have elapsed.

Tom was also a longtime member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Tom was a devout churchgoer where he frequently enjoyed facilitating music ministry. He found great strength in his faith and the love of family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew his charming personality and genuine interest in everyone he met.

Tom is survived by his four children: daughters Mary Matella and spouse KT, and Jennifer Mello; sons Thomas Matella, Jr., and wife Kristen, and Joseph Matella and wife Melissa; brother William (Bill), and eight grandchildren: Madison Matella, Mitchell Matella, Elena Mello, Rebecca Mello, Emmeline Matella, Clayton Matella, Charles Matella, and Lucy Matella. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Kathy; his sister Carol Matella, and brother James Matella.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4-7 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 3314 Sandra Ln. Virginia Beach, VA. 23464, at 1:00 PM. Final rest at the St. Matthew Columbarium. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.