Obituary of John M. Matta

John M. Matta Sr., 80 Sept. 7, 1928 - Sept. 4, 2009 John M. Matta Sr., a long-time community activist in Orange County, passed away Friday, September 4, 2009 in Goshen. He was 80. Mr. Matta was born in Philadelphia Sept. 7, 1928, the son of the late John Matta and Mary Reilly Matta. He was the 3rd of four siblings, Cecelia Matta, Helen Kerrigan and Michael Matta, who predeceased him. John Matta married Marie Getz Matta on Feb. 16, 1952 in Havertown, PA. Their love affair endured over fifty-seven years, and "his bride" Marie survives him at their home in Goshen. John and Marie moved to Goshen in 1958 and raised five children who also survive him: Cecilia Matta (spouse Casey Riske), Seattle, WA, Joseph Matta (spouse Theodora Matta), Goshen, NY, John Matta Jr. (spouse Sharon Matta), Irvine, CA, Mary Ellen Matta (spouse Joseph Bachman), Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Marie Carter (spouse George Carter), Valley Stream, NY. He was a proud Grandpa, and leaves four grandchildren, Rebecca Matta Paddock (spouse Mike Paddock), Joshua Matta, Lindsay Matta and Erin Matta. Mr. Matta served in the US Naval Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge. Having begun his education at the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism at the Poor Richard Club in Philadelphia, Mr. Matta later earned his BS degree at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He accomplished this while attending St. Joe's Evening Division for eight years, at the same time working as a salesman during the day and starting his family. Mr. Matta worked for many years as a manufacturer's representative in the fine art framing business, calling on art galleries and dealers along the East coast. As a child, Mr. Matta often visited the local firehouse with his Dad, and dreamed of being a fireman. He fulfilled this dream as a forty-five year veteran of the Cataracts Engine & Hose Co. in Goshen, serving as President, Captain, Secretary, Historian and author of the Cataracts' 150 Year History (1993). Mr. Matta truly believed that our government "of the people, by the people" meant exactly that, so he committed himself to citizen activism. From The Goshen Town Board, where he served two terms as Councilman, to the Goshen Zoning Board of Appeals, where he served over twenty years, including several terms as Chairman, to Pro-Tem Chair of the Goshen Water Study Commission, Mr. Matta took on often challenging responsibilities to help govern and preserve the good life in Goshen, his adopted hometown. A lifelong Democrat, Mr. Matta wore many hats as a Town of Goshen Democratic Committee member and Chairman. He worked on countless local, state and national campaigns, and frequently contributed opinion pieces and letters to the editor to local newspapers. In 1964, Mr. Matta chaired a Democratic fundraising dinner for Senate candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Calling on his ace PR skills, Mr. Matta persuaded Mr. Kennedy to record several radio spots for Orange County candidates. Mr. Matta proudly displayed letters of commendation and appreciation from John F. Kennedy, Mario Cuomo and others, for his prodigious Democratic campaign efforts. Mr. Matta helped found the Goshen Area Day Care Center, a 501c3 nonprofit, where he served on the board for many years. He was a lector and communicant at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Goshen. Mr. Matta received several honors for his tireless community activism, including the NY State Assembly Service Award in 1994 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Goshen Rotary in 1998. Memorial visitation will be Sunday, September 6, 2009 from 4-7 pm at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, September 7 at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, Murray Avenue, Goshen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen Area Day Care Center, Goshen, or to St. John's R.C. Church, Goshen. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit donovanfunerals.com