JOHN J. "BABE" MATTO

1928 - 2015

MATTO, JOHN J. “BABE” John J. “Babe” Matto, age 86, of Ansonia, entered into rest on Monday, July 13, 2015, at the VA Hospital in West Haven. He was the beloved husband of 55 years of Rosaria (Guglielmi) Matto. John was born in Derby on November 7, 1928, son of the late Ralph and Philomena (Piscitelli) Matto. He was raised in Derby and, although he moved to Ansonia in 1970, he always considered Derby his home. Babe was an All-State football player at Derby High School and went on to play semi-pro ball in Lake Champlain. A veteran of the United States Army, John was extremely proud to be one of six brothers that served their country during WWII, and he served with the Military Police during the Occupation of Japan. He went on to work as a clerk in the Derby Post Office for 33 years before retiring. Babe was very active in St. Mary’s Church as well as the Derby community. He was a member of the Catholic War Vets, the VFW, the Derby Elks, the Slovak Club, St. Sebastian’s, the Eagles and the Central Subalpi Club and the American Legion John H. Collins Post 24. He was also an inductee into the Nutmeg Athletic Club Sports Hall of Fame. He is the beloved father of John J. Matto, Jr. and his wife Martha, Mark A. Matto, Robert Matto and his wife Debora, and Dominic Matto. He also leaves five cherished grandchildren, Marissa, Mark, Jr., Zachary, Nathan and Nicholas Matto, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by seven brothers, Joseph, Clemente, Pasquale, Dominic, Charles, Thomas, and James, and three sisters, Josephine, Teresa, and Teresa. Friends may greet the family at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby, on Friday from 4 to 8 PM. On Saturday his procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Derby. Entombment with full military honors will follow at the Mt. St. Peter’s Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418 or through the funeral director. Offer online condolences at www.adzimafh.com.