Born: November 1, 1940
Entered the Celestial Lodge Above: January 18, 2019
Brother Matta was a retired railroader who worked a long and enjoyable career as a conductor for the New Haven Conrail, Amtrak, Quincy Bay Terminal and Fore River Railroads. He was a proud reservist of the United States Marine Corps, a friend of “Bill W.” and a Freemason. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially at any activity involving his grandchildren. He was an avid reader who also enjoyed taking walks and was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and NE Patriots. Bill had the gift of gab and enjoyed meeting and talking with people from all walks of life.
Bill was raised at a one day class on his 63rd Birthday, November 1, 2003 and became a deeply committed Brother of St. James Lodge. During the merger of St. James Lodge and Ezekiel Bates Lodge in June of 2018, Brother Matta lead a toast to the new future of the newly formed Ezekiel Bates Lodge. That was Bill’s way, to make the best of a situation that could have been taken poorly. Bill was a behind the scenes leader and a friend to many at the lodge.
May you continue your Masonic journey and continue to guide us to a brighter future.
From Bill’s Obituary:
William (Bill) H. M. Matta Jr., age 78, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully and with dignity on January 18th surrounded by his loving family members after a brave battle with several health issues.
Survived by his loving wife of 52 year, Dorothy (Coleman) Matta, his son William H. M. Matta III and his wife Julie (Andrews) Matta of North Falmouth, his daughter Regina (Matta) Avitabile and her husband Joseph of Mansfield and daughter Elizabeth Matta and her wife, Jody (Bonti) Matta of Newcastle, ME. Adoring Grandpa to Jarod, Mikey and Joshie Matta, Joey and Rebecca Avitabile and Cailley, Kyle (Sargeant, USMC) and Chad Bonti and great-grandson, Daniel Bonti. Bill was predeceased by his parents William H. M. Matta Sr. and Helen (Fulton) Matta, his brothers Robert and John Matta and his sisters Alice (Matta) Watson and Jeannette Matta. Bill was born in Dedham and also previously resided in Jamaica Plain and Foxborough.
Visiting hours: Family and friends will honor and remember Bill’s life by gathering for Visiting Hours on Tuesday, January 22nd from 4pm-8pm at the Bolea-Amici Funeral Home, 115 North Main Street, Mansfield, MA. His funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 23rd from 9am-11am also at the Bolea-Amici Funeral Home.