Anthony John DeMattos Sr.

1947 - 2025

Anthony John DeMattos, Sr.

July 21, 1947 - October 11, 2025

Anthony John DeMattos, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 78.

Born on July 21, 1947, in Utica, NY, Tony was the son of Abel and Mary DeMattos. He attended Utica Proctor High School where he began a life marked by devotion to family, tireless work, and deep community roots. As a young teenager, Tony met the love of his life, Louise Giambona, through mutual friends. Their love story began early and endured for over 58 years, as they married on June 8, 1968, and built a beautiful life together filled with laughter, loyalty, and unwavering support.

Tony began his career in the jewelry industry in Rome, NY, but with entrepreneurial vision and a strong desire to provide for his growing family, he moved to Fort Edward, NY. There, in 1971, he founded the DeMattos Insurance Agency as a Nationwide Insurance provider. Under his leadership and expertise, the agency flourished, expanding to represent numerous carriers and offer a wide array of coverage, including property, casualty, commercial, automobile, and boat insurance. Tony's legacy in business was built on trust, care, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Tony and Louise raised their three sons, Tony Jr., Marc, and Andrew in Queensbury, NY, where family life was rich with memories. Tony's love of sports was infectious; he could often be found on the sidelines of baseball, hockey, and soccer fields, and later in the stands cheering on his grandchildren in basketball and lacrosse. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Tony was a passionate fan of Syracuse University athletics, SU was it!

Together, Tony and Louise built their dream home on Trout Lake, lovingly named "Dreams End," a place that became the heart of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and quiet moments of joy.

Throughout their life together, Tony and Louise shared a spirit of adventure. Their travels took them across the globe to places like China, Italy, Portugal, Aruba, Hawaii, Bermuda, Hilton Head, and New Mexico. Whether exploring historic cities or relaxing by the water, they embraced each journey with wonder and gratitude, always happiest in each other's company.

Tony faced a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, meeting each challenge with grace, strength, and an unwavering positive spirit. His resilience inspired all who knew him.

The true love of Tony's life were his ten grandchildren, and he never missed a chance to be a part of their lives-whether attending a game, sharing a meal, or simply sitting and talking. He treasured every moment and made each grandchild feel uniquely special. His pride in them was immeasurable.

In a family full of strong personalities and lively debates, Papa was often lovingly referred to as "Switzerland." He had a remarkable ability to remain neutral, never taking sides, always offering calm, thoughtful perspective. His steady presence was a source of peace and balance, and his quiet wisdom helped guide the family through life's ups and downs. He would greet his family and friends with "you look sharp" or "have I told you I love you today", and of course his favorite line, "It is Howdy Doody Time." Papa's positive attitude could always turn a frown into a genuine smile.

Tony was 100% Portuguese, and his heritage was a source of deep pride. His home was adorned with colorful good luck roosters, a symbol of Portuguese culture and joy. He loved sharing stories, traditions, and recipes with his children and grandchildren-especially the legendary "Grandma Moose's" Portuguese fried chicken. Through food, music, and storytelling, Papa passed down the richness of his heritage, ensuring that the spirit of Portugal lived on in the hearts of those he loved.

Tony was predeceased by his parents, Abel and Mary DeMattos; his beloved son, Marc DeMattos; and one of his best friends, Ralph Knickerbocker. Tony will also be greeted in heaven by a long line of golden retrievers that were precious to him,

He is survived by his devoted wife, Louise DeMattos; sons Anthony Jr. (Robin) and Andrew (Tracy); daughter-in-law Aimee DeMattos (Marc's wife); grandchildren Darrigan DeMattos (Nate Turell), Anthony DeMattos (Megan Kuras), Mackenzie Roberts (Jake Johnson), Madison DeMattos, Lily DeMattos (Lansing Miller), Joshua DeMattos (Claire Overton), Isabella DeMattos, Aliza DeMattos, Bronte DeMattos, and Nicola DeMattos; his brother, Abel David DeMattos (Yvonne); sister, Ronnie DiLeo; and dear friend, Mike Mellucci. A very special thank you to the entire staff at the Home of the Good Shepard who lovingly took care of Papa, even on his most difficult days.

Tony DeMattos Sr. will always be remembered as the greatest "Papa" of all time. His signature expressions-calling everything "outstanding" and letting you know "you look sharp"-will echo in our hearts forever. His humor, warmth, and unconditional love shaped generations, and his legacy will live on through the family he adored.

Papa, "you are our sunshine, our only sunshine."

A celebration of Tony's life will be held on November 28, 2025, at Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury, NY 12804. Calling hours will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a service to follow at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony's memory to the Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846.

Those who wish may make online condolences at the funeral home website sbfuneralhome.com