In loving memory of

Matteo Mattessich
January 7, 1922 - January 22, 2015

Matteo Mattessich, age 93, of Toms River died Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Arbors Care Center, Manchester. Born in Yugoslavia (now Croatia), and after proudly serving in the Italian Air Force, Matteo came to the United States in 1939, settling in Fairview, NJ. He lived there and later in New Milford before moving to Holiday City Berkeley in 1995.
Matteo met his wife, Clelia, in 1946 at The Italian Cooperative Hall and later married at Our Lady of Grace Church in Fairview, NJ. They shared a love of dancing, going on cruises together, and spending time with family and friends. Prior to his retirement in 1987, Matteo was employed as a Longshoreman at ILA Local 1235, Newark, for almost 40 years. In his retirement, he was a member of the Polish Club of Toms River and was the captain of his bocce team at Holiday City Berkeley. His proudest achievements were his children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sister, Giovanna Piccini. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Clelia; his 3 children, Richard of Austin TX, Dennis of Belle Meade, and Eileen Portelli and her husband John of Wall; 8 grandchildren, Tiffany, Nicolette, Tessa, Christopher, and Eric Mattessich and Brett, Gabriella and Veronica Portelli; and his siblings, Caterina Hroncich, Maria Piccinich, and Antonio Mattessich.
A private cremation was entrusted to Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services. A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Fairview, NJ located at 395 Delano Place on January 31, 2015 at 11 am.

Tributes

Naomi wrote on Jan 30, 2015:

"To the dear Grandpa of my Grand-daughters (on their Dad's side) You will be missed."

Tessa wrote on Jan 29, 2015:

"Rest in peace, Grandpa. I am so extremely grateful to call you family.. You always wore a huge smile on your face and made the absolute most out of every day. I will always cherish the moments we shared together. You hold a special place in my heart.. And I will live on remembering and celebrating your life.. I know you are looking down on us with love. I love you very much, Grandpa. "

Gloria wrote on Jan 28, 2015:

"Dear Mateo, Peace be to you where you are now where love abounds! May God Bless you in ways we cannot yet fathom! Your sweet accented wit, genuine smile, all those warm hugs, going down memory-lane stories, and love taps added such a special warmth to "family time" at every special Mattessich-Lovato occasion that I can remember. Your real genuine nature shone the most! I have been blessed to have known you! I am so happy my girls were blessed to have you as their Grandpa! You are truly loved by us all! Much Love To You... "

Ron Gesualdo wrote on Jan 28, 2015:

"Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed by many."

Ute Mattessich wrote on Jan 27, 2015:

"Rest in Peace dear Matteo. It was a pleasure to have known you. You were a wonderful grandfather to my sons and I will be forever grateful. You lived you life as a simple man with a big smile and an even bigger heart. May you be surrounded by God's love, the angels and your family in heaven. "

Brett wrote on Jan 27, 2015:

"You know.....I truly believe his best quality was his ability to spread joy to others. His passion for life, family, and friends was always of abundance and it is something I will never forget. All I want to say is thank you for everything you did for us, our memories together will be kept close to our hearts! I Love you very much!"

Dennis wrote on Jan 26, 2015:

"A simple man with a big heart and the strength of a lion. To do the things you did dad, only people could dream of such courage. Rest in peace. You are missed already. We all love you."

Nicolette Mattessich wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"Rest in peace grandpa. You were such a strong and caring person in my life. I know there was nothing that made you happier than spending time with your family. I will always cherish the memories I have of us together. I loved hearing the stories from your childhood and when you first came to America. I remember the story of when you first met Grandma. You and grandma shared such strong love for each other. A love that most people only dream of finding in their life. I will always remember that. I am so proud of all your accomplishments. You lived a very long and happy life. You are loved so much by your family and you will be greatly missed. I know you are in a better place now. You will always be with me in my heart. I love you so much Grandpa. "

Veronica wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"Rest in Peace to my grandfather, one of the strongest and most loving guys I will have ever met. I will always remember the stories of you coming to America and will forever be proud of the things you have accomplished. I'm sad to see you go but I know you will always be with me. I love you!"

Eleen wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"To the best dad a daughter could ask for. You are forever in my heart. I love you "

Eleen wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"The best dad a daughter could ever ask for"

Eleen wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"To the a daughter could ever ask for you are for ever in my heart"

Gabby wrote on Jan 25, 2015:

"I am going to missed my grandpa Soo much "

Brittany Langelotti wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"Uncle Marty will be truly missed. He lived a long and great life. He will never be forgotten. We have alot of great memories with him. Love, Langelotti's, Petro's and Schrivanch's Families "

Darrell Anthony wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"A great man with a great family. "