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Michael Mataraza Obituary
Michael Charles Mataraza, 93, of Cocoa, FL, died Saturday, July 19, 2008 in the Wuesthoff Hospice In Patient Facility surrounded by his family.
Born in Milton, NY on May 20, 1915, he was the son of Charles and Maria Michele Matarazzo. On February 18, 1945, he married Rita Antoinette Abbruzzese and they resided in Milton, NY until 1979 when they moved to Naples, FL. In 2007 they moved to Cocoa Village, FL.
Mike volunteered to serve in the US Army during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant, Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in the European Theatre and participated in the Normandy Invasion. He was a life member of the Milton Engine Company and a member for the American Legion Vieby Sutton Post in Marlboro, NY.
Survived by his wife, Rita, of 63 years; two daughters, Michele & Neil Fino, Sr. of Highland, NY and Diane Mataraza & fiancee, Michael Schleiffer of Viera, FL.; grandsons, Michael Charles & Deanna Fino of Hopewell Junction, NY and Neil Vincent & Elizabeth Fino of Highland, NY; six great grandchildren, Anthony Michael, Victoria Marie, Michael Charles Jr., Dominic Francis, Elizabeth Michele & Joseph Anthony; 27 nieces & nephews and 48 great nieces & nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Louise Mataraza, Rose Arecco, Marie Martucci and Jean Pallonetti and his brothers, John & Patrick Mataraza.
Our entire family was blessed with his love, care, passion, protectiveness, devotion and honor. His favorite saying was "La familia e numero uno!"
We extend special thanks to Dr. Vincent Sciortino, Dr. Stephen Watts, Nurse Angel Collins and the extraordinary staff of Wuesthoff Hospice Care Center.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 26 from 9-10 a.m. at the DiDonato Funeral Home, 1290 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY. Rev. William Scafidi will celebrate a Mass of Requiem at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Mary's Church, 180 South St., Newburgh, NY. Entombment will follow in Cedar Hill Mausoleum in Middlehope, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wuesthoff Hospice & Palliative Care Center, In Patient Facility, c/o Wuesthoff Health System Foundation, Inc., PO Box 565002, Rockledge, FL 32956-9928.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Carl J. DiDonato, Jr. and Lawrence M. Cavazza of the DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc.; 845-236-4300.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mataraza
Penny Leto Beers
July 30, 2008
Dear Mrs. Mataraza, Dianne, and Michelle,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep him in my prayers. I extend condolences on behalf of the rest of the Leto family .
Dominick and Patrice Magistro
July 24, 2008
Mrs. Mataraza,Diane and Michele,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God comfort you in this time of need.
Rose Cavaliere
July 24, 2008
Dear Rita and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in your loss, Mike will be very sadly missed. You are a very sweet couple and it has been a please to assist you both, We will always keep you in our prayrs.
Fondly your friends at Comforts of Home Care
Ethel Yusko
July 23, 2008
Dear Rita
Len and I want you to know that
our prayers,sympathy,and good throughts are with you at this sad time.Take care of yourself!
Ethel and Len Yusko
Mary Beruk
July 23, 2008
Dear Rita,
How you will miss him!
We grieve for you and your wonderful family but know the time is coming for all of us to be together again. With love, the Beruks
July 23, 2008
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF OUR PATRIOT.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #566 & LAMOPH Unit #566 Pensacola FL
Shirley and Lester Barr
July 23, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the
Mataraza Family.
Kim Linsig
July 23, 2008
Mrs. Mataraza, Diane and family-
My deepest sympathy in your loss.
Angel Collins
July 23, 2008
Though I didn't have time to get to know him, the great love around him at the end speaks volumes for the man he was. My thoughts are with your family.
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The DiDonato Funeral Service, Inc.1290 Route 9W P.O. Box 537, Marlboro, NY 12542
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