Ronald "Ronnie" Matteri

1941 - 2023

Ronald "Ronnie" Matteri
Ronnie Matteri passed away peacefully at home in October, 2023, surrounded by loving family, as he wished. He was 82.

He was born to Rico and Jennie Matteri in 1941 in Petaluma, CA. He grew up on the Matteri Dairy on Petaluma Hill Road in Santa Rosa with his two older brothers, Henry and Bob. The three of them were known around town as the "Matteri Boys."

Ronnie graduated in 1958 from Santa Rosa High School, where he was active in FFA and band, winning many awards in both. One of his fondest memories was being the school mascot, "Pandi."

After graduation, he worked as a plumber until purchasing Santa Rosa Plating. He is still remembered for his chrome plating on hot rods, race cars, and boats all over the country. He loved the creativity and mastery of his work.

At the age of 34, Ronnie began dating the love of his life, Katie. They were married a little over a year later and worked side by side at their plating business and other investment ventures. They truly had the time of their lives together, and seldom was one seen without the other.

Ronnie loved fast cars, boats, and motorcycles. He especially loved hot boats, and he loved racing them. He was also a flat track motorcycle racer and was considered one of the fastest – and coolest -- dudes on the track. The love of bikes never left him, and he and Katie enjoyed traveling with their friends on their Harley Fat Boy. Many memories were made on the road.

In 1984, with the help of close friends, Ronnie built a custom hot rod that went on to win International Grand Champion. It was named the number one car in the United States and was awarded most beautiful car in Canada. Ronnie and Katie traveled for a year across the United States and Canada, showing their car and making lasting friends wherever they went.

At the age of 50, Ronnie sold the plating business and retired. But he never slowed down. He began doing woodworking and built beautiful oak furniture, as well as large Victorian birdhouses featured in Better Homes and Gardens and sold nationwide.

Ronnie also had a green thumb and a knack for landscaping. He turned their home into a paradise listed on the Sweetwater Garden Tour for two years.

Ronnie loved his large family deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents Rico and Jennie, brothers Henry and Bob, and in-laws Richard and Gertrude Isaacs, who considered him their son. He is lovingly survived by his wife Katie and son Ron (Connie). He is also survived by son Rod Matteri. He leaves behind his grandchildren Chad Matteri (Ashlee), Hayley Wells (Mick), and Jordan Matteri. He was blessed with four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronnie left a huge fingerprint on this earth, and all who knew him will remember him as being one of a kind. He had a great sense of humor, brought laughter into every room, and always had a positive outlook on life. His charm and charisma endeared him to all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank Maggie, Liku, Lia, and Jimi for providing Ronnie with such wonderful, loving care. You are truly Angels on Earth. Thank you also to Providence Hospice and Leroy Keiser, MD.

Ronnie said he will be the brightest star in the sky every night, so please look up to say hello and share a memory.

Donations in Ronnie's memory may be made to Jamison FFA Merit Award, c/o Santa Rosa Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1513, Santa Rosa, CA 95402. No services will be held per his request.