John L. Matt Sr.

John L. Matt Sr., 90 years, eight months and one day, entered into rest on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare.
He was born in Boston, Mass., the son of the late Anthony Frank and Lena Ida Viscosi Matt. He attended Bleecker and Union Street schools and later graduated from Utica Free Academy. At the age of 16 he was enrolled in Hamilton College where he completed two and a half years of study. At his father's request, he later completed his studies at the Renouard School for Embalming in New York City, where he worked for two years as an apprentice embalmer and undertaker. Mr. Matt later worked for Park West Memorial Chapel, New York City as a licensed mortician.
In 1942 he enlisted in the armed services where he served in the European Theatre of Operations of World War ll, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and two Bronze Battle Stars. During his wartime years, he was engaged in graves registration, and also served as an Italian and French interpreter. He recalled many memories of his experiences both in Italy and North Africa. Mr. Matt was very proud of his military service for his country, and was registered in the World War ll Memorial in Washington DC.
During his apprentice years in New York City, he met and later married Grace Giacinta Massaro, with whom he recently completed 70 years of marriage. Together they established the Matt Funeral Home in 1946 and later incorporated in 1948 under Matt Funeral Service, Inc.
Mr. Matt is survived by his beloved wife Grace Jean, of Boca Raton, Fla.; as well as his six children, Maria Elena Zegarelli and her husband, Joseph, of Boca Raton, Fla., Christine Bucheli and her husband, Hans of Aldie, Va., Elissa Rose Pratt and her husband, David of Denver, Colo., Anthony F. Matt and wife, Kimberly L. of Frankfort, N.Y., John L. Matt Jr. of Chadwicks and Jeanine Kawryga and her husband, Theodore of Dolgeville. Also surviving are his sister, Rose Katherine Matt of Clifton Park; nine grandchildren, Joseph and Michele Zegarelli, Audra and Keith Van Dreason, Richard Southwick, Nico and Josh Schroeder, Anthony F. Matt III, Dominic Matt, Amanda and Brian Snyder, Brittany Matt and John L. Matt III; and six great-grandchildren Sydney, Madison and Sierra Rose Van Dreason; Lexie and Nickolas Zegarelli, and Nicolas Snyder.
Heartfelt thanks to special friends, Cinthia DiRuzza Zielinski, Dr. Bernard Zumpano, Ronald and Jessie Cerminaro, Robert Berratta and Mitchell Frair. The family would also like to thank Dr. Scott Brehaut and the staff at Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare for their exceptional care of Mr. Matt during his illness.
Per Mr. Matt's wishes a private family gathering was held. He was laid to rest at the family plot in Calvary Cemetery on Dec. 13, 2011 with military honors. Donations may be sent in Mr. Matt's memory to a home for unwed mothers, children and the homeless, at the following address: Evelyn's House, 10 Barton Ave., Utica, New York 13502. Friends may send an online expression of sympathy at www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of John L. Matt Funeral Home of Chadwicks/New Hartford.