MATESSA

RICHARD JOSEPH

Richard "Rich" Matessa, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on August 9, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rich was the son of the late Joseph and Ruth (Schwartz) Matessa. He grew up with a strong sense of duty, which led him to serve his country honorably as a veteran of the United States Navy during the historic Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military service, Rich channeled his analytical mind into a successful career as a computer programmer, working during the pioneering eras of modern technology.

Rich was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a man of diverse interests. He could often be found out on the golf course, aiming for a strike at the bowling alley, or enjoying a competitive game of poker or bocce with friends. He took great pride in tending to his garden and yard, loved crafting (and sharing) his own wine, and cherished the annual family vacations to the shores of Lake Erie, PA, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. Those who knew him well will also fondly remember his smooth moves on the dance floor, especially when jitterbugging with his favorite wife. Above all else, Rich's greatest devotion was to his family. He shared a beautiful, lifelong bond with his beloved wife, Antoinette "Toni" (Dentici) Matessa, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in November. Rich adored Toni completely - he loved her cooking, deeply appreciated her unwavering care, and comfortingly insisted on having her right by his side until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth, and his sister, Barbara Cantwell. His memory will be forever kept alive by his surviving family - his wife, Toni, his sons, Joseph Matessa (Chris McManus) and Anthony Matessa (Angie Weasel), his cherished grandchildren, Emily and Margaret Matessa, and Eli and Ricky Molasso-Matessa, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Though Rich was often short on patience and free to share his opinion, he will be remembered as a steady, loving presence who put his family above all else. His warmth, his standard of care, and his quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2385 E. Carson St., Ste. 200, Pgh, PA 15203 or St. Jude Hospital for Children, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Friends will be received on Thursday from 2-5 & 6-8 PM at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh., PA 15229. A Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 2510 Middle Rd., Glenshaw, PA 15116 on Friday at 10:30 AM.