Anthony P. "Tony" Mattia

Mr. Anthony P. “Tony” Mattia, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Anthony was born in Utica on February 4, 1921, the son of the late Frank, Sr. and Assunta (Damanda) Mattia. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He attended Utica College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Business. A proud veteran of World War II, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy. On August 12, 1944 he wed the former Angeline “Angie” DeFazio with whom he shared 67 years together as one in their marriage and devoted in their love. An inseparable couple, they were best friends through their journey of life. For many years, Tony worked as a Comptroller at Griffiss Air Force Base, the position from which he retired. He was the original founder of the Griffiss Air Force Base Credit Union which is now known as AMERICU. The patriarch and pillar of the family, Tony offered his gentle guidance in many ways to family and friends. His pledges were his word, whether to his nearest and dearest, or a neighbor. He was easy-going and gentle, witty and bright. He was also proud of his Italian heritage and traditions. Along with traveling for his work, he loved to journey to Europe with his wife Angie to visit family residing in Italy, his ancestral homeland. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends, following the New York Yankees, and was a dedicated fan of the Utica Boiler Maker. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Tony is survived by his wife, Angie; and his daughter, Carla Alcantara of Utica. Always close to his heart was the memory of his daughter, Susan Mattia Duffy, who preceded him in death. He also leaves his grandchildren, April Grounds, Holly Neveu, and Anthony and Darlene (Polanco) Alcantara; his great-grandchildren, Anthony Michael Vatalaro, and Mia Grounds; and his step-grandchildren, Tracy Leone and Joseph Leone. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Theresa “Tessie” Mattia, and Flora DeFazio, who held a very close relationship with Tony. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Marie Capra, and Jessie and Raymond Lechevet. He was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Grace DeFazio; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Mary Mattia, Gerald “Jerry” and Jeannie Mattia, Frank Mattia; and his in-laws, Carlo P. “Carl” DeFazio, and Pat and Kelly Durse. The family offers thanks to the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for all the outstanding care and attention provided to Tony. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the American Heart Association, or the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Cesta. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Anthony P. "Tony" Mattia

February 2, 1921 - January 15, 2012