"I knew Alvin as a child in Noth Braddock, PA. I was a couple years younger but even at that early age I have fond memories of how kind and caring he was. I am saddened by his passing and offer condolences to his familt."
In loving memory of
Alvin P. Matta
May 25, 1947 - June 14, 2016
Alvin Paul Matta, aged 69 of Weston Florida, passed away peacefully in his home on June 14, 2016.
Al was born on May 25, 1947, and raised in North Braddock, a borough located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He attended Gannon College as an undergraduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1970 and received a Master of Science in Education degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1979. From 1969 to 1975 Al served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve in the 171st ARW (Air Refueling Wing). Al was a teacher for many years at St Michael's Grade School in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
In 1982, Al moved to West Palm Beach, Florida and began teaching at Lakeshore Middle School in the Palm Beach County School District. It was there that Al met his future wife Kathy Ballard and they were married in 1983. Al continued teaching, adding Assistant Principal duties in 1988. He was nominated twice during his teaching years for the William T. Dwyer award for Excellence in Education in Palm Beach County. In 1994, Al left teaching for a new career with the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, first as a Poker dealer and then as a Pit Manager in the Hollywood, Florida casino operations. Kathy and Al moved that same year to Weston, Florida a suburb of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood area. After nearly 20 years in casino operations, Al retired in December 2014.
Al is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary Matta formerly of North Braddock, Pa. and his sister, Maryanne Stankay( Vince) of Lake Worth, FL.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathy Matta of Weston, FL, sister, Jeanne Conway of Pittsburgh, Pa. and sister Roberta Watson of Turtle Creek, Pa. as well as 28 nephews and nieces, 22 great nephews and nieces and 1 great, great niece.
Al leaves behind many dear friends in the Pittsburgh area and in South Florida.
English poet and cleric John Donne wrote, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."
Al Matta's life was woven deeply into the lives of all he touched. He was selfless, putting others needs ahead of his own. He was kind, always looking for the good in someone or something. He was gentle, in his soft-spoke demeanor and good natured attitude. He was funny; he had a great sense of humor and loved pointing out the absurdities of life. He will be remembered for his love of sports and his loyalty to all Pittsburgh teams especially his beloved Pirates! Al had one great love of his life and that was with his wife Kathy. They were married for 33 years, did everything together and were truly best friends.
A Memorial Mass honoring Al's life will be held on June 30, 2016 at 6:00PM in the chapel at Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church, 1301 SW 136th Avenue Davie, FL 33325.
Tributes
"Al, I will never forget the pictures you drew on the back of the big white board, or the fact that I could not pick a loosing football team in your pool. I will never for get your infectious smile and personality. Obviously God decided what your future plans are and the rest of us will be left missing a great human being. This P/J is for you, Rest in Peace. "
"Where do I begin on what an honor it was to know Al. Worked with Al for so many years and it was truly a blessing to be in his presence. Coming to work every morning was easy knowing Al was the one you would see first. His kind ness, smile, laugh and the over all genuine of a man he was will be missed by ever person he ever had contact with. Al we thank you for being a blessing to us all, we thank you for being an educator and from one service member to another thank you for your service to our country. Truly one of a kind!!! God bless you always. "
"I haven't seen Al since I left for the Air Force in 1960. I was so sorry to read of his passing in the Pittsburgh paper. I remember all the good times my family had visiting the Matta family on Bell Av. Sorry to have lost touch with the family all these years. Our sympathy to his wife and sisters."
"Dear Kathy and the Matta family, I knew Alvin as Maryannne's little brother. I can see him sitting at Baba's table with the family playing either cards or some board game. He picked us up at the airport once after a difficult trip. He was so welcoming and comforting. He was a gentle man and will be missed. I'm sure he up in heaven with Maryanne and Baba deciding which game to play next., May God care for him and bring comfort to his family."
"Al was one of the best men I have ever known. We worked together for 20 years. We ate lunch together practically every day. We never talked shop. It was always conversations about sports (#Pirates), politcs, family and of course the latest episode of Survivor. Al was asked what he would be doing during his retirement. He said, typical Al, "Anything I Want". He is truly missed."
"Al you were definitely one of a kind! So nice no matter what was going on around you, you had such a big heart! I'm going to miss your smile and witty jokes. You were a great friend and co-worker! You touched so many lives and made so many friendships the world was a better place with you in! You will be missed by all who knew you! We love you and Kathy both! May you rest in peace friend! "
"I haven't seen Al in a long time, but I miss him already. Al and I first met as classmates in the first grade at St. Michael's in Braddock. Right now it is just about time to start planning for the Pitt - Penn State football game in September. Al and Kathy had expressed interest in coming up to Pittsburgh for the game. It won't be the same without Al's kind, calm, humorous presence. I'm sure he'll be looking down on the game ... humming the Pitt Fight Song!"
"We loved Al's laid back style and gentle nature..but not ever without humor. Uncle Al will be missed!"
"Mr. Matta was also my favorite teacher at St Michael's. I always said I wanted to marry him (I was 12 though). I ended up marrying an Al Matta anyway, funny. God welcomes you home now Mr. Matta."
"Mr. Matta was one of my favorite teachers at St. Michael's. He was fun to talk to, and lived up the street from me on Bell Ave. He will be missed. "
"Growing up, we would anticipate Uncle Al's creative Christmas card display at Baba & Dzedo's house. My Uncle Al was truly a kind person with a unique sense of humor. I will never forget his smile! We are all blessed to have known him. "
"Mr Matta was an incredible teacher at ST Michaels Middle School. He was a personable teacher that had a unique ability to make lessons learnable. Some of my favorite memories of this man will always be his Wiffle Ball expertise and his enthusiasm for the game with the students. Rest in peace knowing the incredible impact you had upon many young men and women."
"Although we have not seen Alvin in a number of years we have very fond memories of the great times spent with him in the Pittsburgh area. Always the gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace Alvin."
"AL was a great friend, from high school on. Many memories of playing cards at his parent's house on Bell ave, coaching basketball at St. Michael's grade school, stopping at Ferty's after the games. We were sorry that he left for Florida in 1982, but were happy that he met the love of life in Kathy! Their visits to Pittsburgh were great celebrations that we will always cherish. Gone too soon, but he will always be with us."
"Dear Kathy
Al was one of the nicest kindest guys in high school.
I will always remember him with fondness.
May he rest in Jesus' heart forever.
Judy Mattis"
"I was a classmate of Al's my senior year in high school. He was in my homeroom and made me welcomed as the new kid on the block. I remember him as being very funny and always making me laugh. We had a wonderful upbringing in small towns and knew the meaning of hard work. You were successful in life and love. May God grant you the happiness you deserve in heaven. "
"Al was the nicest guy I ever met. Super great athlete, We had many good times together long after high school, I will miss Al very very much."
"Thank you AL,For your friendship and all your memories that you leave behind,I will miss sitting on the front proch seeing you and Kathy pull in your parking space,then talk for a few.Both of us will cherish your friendship that we share for 15 yrs."
"Thank you Uncle Al for all your laughs, love, friendship, memories, good games, and great times throughout my whole life! I will miss your great smile and gentle ways. May you shine w God and His Angels."
"My baby brother Al. I still can't believe that I won't see your smiling face again or hear your always, kind, sincere words of concern about my well being and your witty personality.. You were a faithful, loving brother as a child (sometimes mischevious but fun) well into our senior years. I will cherish the times we spent vacationing at your condo and the fun memories of your visits to Pittsburgh. I'll never regret seeing you so recently "silently" suffering at the hospital. I know you are safe and without pain in the arms of Jesus and we will eventually be reunited. Your loving sister, Bobbie"
"Uncle Al- I have such fond memories from my childhood in Pittsburgh . You always made me feel special . I" ll always remember the fun games that you came up with at every holiday. "
"Al was more than my brother-in -law . He also was a close friend since our days in Pgh. My late wife Maryanne and I shared too numerous to mention memories from Pgh .to WPB. ,Fl. Al,you are in my daily prayers. May God watch over you until we all meet again."
"The coolest Dude on the planet will now be up there with all the other greats!"