WWII Veteran; Patriarch; Family Man and Avid Tennis Player
Orval John Mattucci, 90, of Berwick, PA passed away Jan. 9, 2017, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA. He was born Jan. 22, 1926, in Boliver, PA.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Agnes Gulliver Mattucci, who died in 1990. His late parents, Elizabeth Maggiore Mattucci and Anthony Mattucci, were immigrants from Italy. He was one of seven children, all who previously passed: (brothers) Dominick Mattucci (Berwick), Alfonso Mattucci (Pittsburgh), and Frank Mattucci (Philadelphia); and (sisters) Cindy Malatesta, Josephine Dolimpio and Jennie Shearer (Berwick). He spent the last decade with his late companion Shirley Wehr.
He is survived by daughters Carla Scala (Tony Scala) and Vicki Turek (Bob Turek), and grandchildren Lisa Scala and Anthony Scala.
Orval was a graduate of Berwick High School Class of 1944. He enlisted in the US Army, 303rd Infantry, in 1944 and was Honorably discharged in 1946 after fighting in WWII. Decorations included Eame Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and World War II Victory Medal. His military service sustained four more years with the Pennsylvania National Guard until 1950.
His education continued after the War at both Kingston Vocational School and Williamsport Technical School with a major in Electricity. He spent his entire 32-year career with Bell Telephone (1950-1982).
As a devout Catholic, he was a life-long parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Berwick where he enjoyed being an Usher.
Orval was very athletic and always physically fit. He was an avid Tennis player and fan of the professional sport. Up until a few years ago, he would travel to West Branch Tennis Club (Williamsport, PA), or neighboring towns to partake in various tennis leagues and tournaments. In his earlier years, Orval (aka Matt) taught tennis at summer youth programs and to his grandchildren. He loved sunsets, and his hobbies and pastimes included vacations to Florida, taking long walks, fishing and archery.
Often referred to as “OJ,” he always liked being social whether it was pizza night at the Garibaldi, enjoying his morning coffee with “the guys,” attending local dances and WWII luncheons, meeting up with his classmates, and most of all spending time with his family.
Although there are many fun memories, we will never forget how he enjoyed summer cookouts and manning the grill, playing bocce and pinochle, and being everyone’s handyman!
Orval will always be known for his categorical willingness to help others, unequivocal generosity towards others, and his contagiously radiant smile.
Viewing will be held on SATURDAY at 9AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 721 Monroe St, Berwick, PA 18603, with Father Dennis G Dalessandro officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Orval John Mattucci to the Berwick Boulevard Association PO Box 892 Berwick, PA 18603 and/or PA Pets Feral Program, 203 Fifth St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.
Online messages of comfort can be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com