Obituary of Joe Matela

Brockport - Joseph Matela, beloved husband, father, stepfather, brother, uncle, and friend left his mortal body on January 19, 2024, just days shy of his 81^st birthday. Joe was born in Rochester to Anne and Anthony Matela and moved to Brockport in his teens. Joe planted deep roots in the Brockport community and spent his earlier years tirelessly working and serving as a Brockport police officer, a Rotary member, and ambulance driver. He was an industrious man and spent nearly 60 years immersed in real estate as a realtor and as a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. More recently, Joe valued his time as a Brockport Central School District substitute teacher, favoring teaching Art and French.

Joe considered his greatest accomplishment within his academic and professional career to be when, at the age of 79, he returned to college and earned his Associate of Science degree with distinction from Monroe Community College. Joe was a lifelong learner, a piano student, an artist, and he recently took French just because it interested him. Joe was a Buffalo Bills fan and an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, downhill skiing, and golf. During his lifetime, Joe was a member of Brooklea and Stafford Country Clubs.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Josephine; his son, David (Laura) Matela; his daughter, Meg Leonard; and his beloved stepsons, Christopher (Laurie) Fiorito and Rick (Lisa) Fiorito. Joe will be missed by his adored grandchildren, Oliva, Brooke, and Reese Matela, Ryan (Karina) Leonard, and Makayla Rose and Gabriella Grace Fiorito.  Joe’s siblings and many nieces and nephews will miss him and his quick-witted sense of humor – brother, Tony (Glenna d. 2018) Matela and children, Christina (Rob) Keim, Anthony (Anne) Matela, Michael (Korri) Matela, Annalisa (Tom) Underwood; sister, Betty Marlowe and her son, Bill Marlowe; sister, Gina (Brian) Wilson and children, Emily (Kevin) Brenner, Kaitrin (Alan) Cox, Kirstie Wilson (David Holland), Daniel (Elena) Wilson, Wiley Wilson, Margaret (Schuyler) Skuse, and Hannah (Karl) Brugger; nephews, John Kuniskis and Tim Kuniskis (sons of sister Amy Kuniskis, d. 2006); nephew, Steve (Mikyong) Ramer and niece, Julianna (Aaron) Frisch (son and daughter of sister Donna Ramer, d. 2014). Joe will be missed by many, especially his Buffalo cousins who have fond memories of his lighthearted energy and their time spent with him.

At Joe’s request there will be no funeral service, rather, there will be a Celebration of Life later in the year.

Joe loved vacationing and golfing in Hilton Head and wishes for his ashes to be scattered in the ocean overlooking the place where he shared many precious memories with his beloved wife, children, stepsons, and grandchildren over the years.

Joe fearlessly faced pancreatic cancer, never complaining throughout the journey. Joe’s family would like to thank URMC, Unity Hospital and the 4100 unit for caring for Joe.

Charitable donations can be made to B.E.S.T., PO Box 265, Brockport, NY 14420 in memory of Joe.  To donate online click on the charity name.