Charles Joseph Mattea

Charles Mattea, age 101, of Charlotte, formerly of Buffalo, New York, passed away peacefully April 3, 2020, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. He was born January 10, 1919, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Italian immigrants Joseph and Rose (Panepinto) Mattea. On December 21, 1947, Charlie married the love of his life, LaVerne Blankenship. Together they created a true legacy of love, which they passed on to their children and grandchildren. Charlie loved to cook, especially for others. His meals were the center of every family gathering but his wonderful ability to tell a story also played an integral part. Charlie had a passion for baseball. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the game never wavered. He also enjoyed reading and working cross-word puzzles his entire life. One of Charlies frequent remarks was " I like to wonder". Charlie was truly a remarkable man that will always be remembered for his love, kindness, and knowledge. Charlie is survived by his children: Chuck (Jan) Mattea of Texas, Rich (Ann) Mattea of Bellevue, Keith Mattea of Colorado; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister Jean Bucheker of Buffalo, NY, brother, Don Mattea of Buffalo, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, LaVerne in 2010; sister, Rosalie Coleman; and brother, Carman Mattea. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at 12 P.M. at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The family will have a private viewing at the funeral home. There will also be a celebration of his life held after the current restrictions have been lifted. Those desiring, may make contributions in Charlies honor to the Eaton Community Palliative Care or Olivet Congregational Church. This is a note from Pastor Jack Brown that will be shared at the graveside service. The family would like to share with those that will not be able to attend. Charlie and I met just before his wife passed away at St. Lawrence Hospice. Rich had invited me to visit and it was nice to meet both Charlie and Rich's mother before her passing. After we talked a bit I asked if I could pray and Charlie welcomed my prayer. I don't think I ever visited him after that without asking if I could pray for him and he always enthusiastically welcomed me to do so. I enjoyed Charlie and our visits in his condo. I found him to be fun and very interesting. We both liked old time baseball and books and stories about some of the notable players. He often had a baseball game on when I would visit in the Spring, Summer or Fall. If there was no baseball it was old Television shows. We also talked a lot about his growing up in Buffalo, his work in the helicopter factory, his wife, she was often on his mind, what he had been reading, his health, and Italian cooking. I often left hungry after he described making one of his favorite dishes. He shared the recipe if I asked and they were good when I made them, even though I didnt have his touch. We also talked about his family. He had great affect for Rich and Ann and Molly and the boys and kept me up to date. When Ann was going through her treatments, he didnt wait for me to ask him if I could pray; he asked me if I would pray for her and we did and God was good. Charlie was very welcoming and hospitable to me. I had lots of roasted peanuts and popcorn at his place, and after I retired beer good baseball snacks. It was fun to visit him and he often made me smile. He was clearly free with me and with his descriptive language. One of my favorite stories was how he ended up getting to watch Don Larsen's perfect game for the Yankees in the 1956 World Series. What an experience for him! I hope you save Charlie's recipes. I think that is the most representative artifact that he had. The memories of his mothers cooking and all the thoughts of those for whom he prepared those special Italian meals to share. I appreciate the care and attention the Mattea family gave him, especially during the last 12 years or so that I knew him. Keep showing that same affection and care to each other. Charlie gave me, indirectly, one of the best compliments I have ever received. But since it was in Charlies colorful language Rich will have to share it with you. Charlie is not here to ask if I can pray, so I will just go ahead and do so: God, we gather we sadness as well as with great love and affection to lay Charlies body to rest. Thank you for his long and full life, for his love for his beloved wife and their family. Bless his sons, their families and all who knew him well and will miss him. Receive his spirit into Your eternal care. Bless us to live as he did with an active mind, an affection for family, an interest in and hospitality toward those who whom we encounter. Help us to pray and when we can't to welcome the prayers of others. Help us to do our best and to share what we have with others. Grant us all grace and peace and real, vital, spiritually enriching faith in Jesus Christ, in Whose name we pray, Amen.