ALBERT MATALA

MATALA, Albert John, 83, of Dade City, Fla., entered into eternal rest November 21, 2011, at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He was born June 18, 1928, in Bainbridge, Pa. He and his beloved wife, Jean, moved to Florida in 1953, living in St Petersburg for 23 years, before moving to Dade City where he has resided for the last 35 years. Albert proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a corporal for over four years. He was then employed as a meat cutter by Swift & Co., until his retirement. He was a very well respected and active member of St Rita's Catholic Church in Dade City where he was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge of Zephyrhills. Albert volunteered for Hernando-Pasco Hospice, and devoted countless hours to various ministries of the church and community. Albert was an avid golfer and regularly participated in the South Fork Men's Golf League. Albert was preceded in death by his three sisters, Mary, Helen and Margaret; and two brothers, Frank Jr. and Harry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Laurel (Meinsler) Matala; a daughter, Sharon; a son, Stephen and his wife, Janice; granddaughter, Amy Matala Duvall; two great- grandsons, Levi and Brayden; two stepgrand-children, Anthony Bryant and Joanne Turner; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; two foster children, Dr. Anthony Fernandez and Raquel Garcia; 17 nieces and nephews; and multiple great-nieces and nephews. A rosary will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday December 1, 2011, at St Rita's Catholic Church. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Internment will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Donations may be made in honor of Albert to the American Heart Association.