Tony Mattera

Anthony Mattera - or Tony as he was known to everyone - departed from this world surrounded by family on Saturday, June 22, 2024 after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

Born on October 28, 1955 in Revere, Massachusetts, Tony spent his life leaving his mark on every aspect of the community. As a teacher, Tony educated elementary and middle school students in the Revere Public School system for three decades (if he had you in class, you likely still remember his nickname for you) and was always coming up with interesting, out-of-the-box ways of imparting knowledge to his pupils. More recently, he effected change as a member of the Revere School Committee, even attending meetings throughout his rigorous radiation and chemotherapy treatment schedule. A skilled carpenter, Tony also ran his own construction business, working tirelessly after school and during his “summers off” on projects ranging from window replacements to building entire homes. His slogan, “Where Quality Counts”, rang true in every job he completed. Tony’s final project - a set of bunk beds for his grandsons - was unfortunately still a work in progress at the time of his death but will be finished by his brother, Mark, and son-in-law, Scott.

A sports enthusiast to the core, Tony enjoyed watching the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins, usually with a glass of scotch or bottle of Budweiser in hand and colorful commentary at the ready for whatever play unfolded next. His wit was unparalleled, as was his Jeopardy! performance (“Matteras: We know a lot about nothing,” he would joke during trivia nights) and fervor for reading…if he could find his glasses. His Friday night card game was something he looked forward to each week for more than 30 years, a tradition forged by lasting friendships few are fortunate enough to experience.

Above all, Tony was a family man. His love for his wife, Denise, was unwavering over the course of their 42-year marriage, and he took immense pride in his three children, Alexis, Maxwell and Jenna. He truly loved the furry companions in his life as well: The late Vito, Bella, Sammy (yes, even Vinny) and his fur grandson, Rocko were never far from his side. Eight years ago, he stepped into the role of Tone-Tone, as he was dubbed by his grandsons, Caleb and Ethan, with whom he loved playing Wiffle Ball in his beautiful backyard when he wasn’t busy teaching them how to drive his truck in empty parking lots or whispering inappropriate phrases for them to use in mixed company. (As we know, education was very important to him.)

Tony would often say, “Everything you do in life, do it with passion.” No matter the situation or task, he went above and beyond from start to finish. Maybe this meant that he could come off as gruff or stubborn (chances are you’ve heard his trademark growl) but he did things his way with resolute confidence and lived his life with dignity until his last breath. That’s just the Tony Mattera way.

He was survived by his loving wife, Denise; his children Alexis (Scott Silberberg), Maxwell (Min Jeon) and Jenna (dog Rocko); his grandsons Caleb and Ethan Silberberg; his siblings Joanne, Paul (Judy), Mark, Chris (Carol); and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aurelius and Elena Mattera.

Tony's legacy will always reside in the hearts of those he touched, his memory preserved in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared and the love he gave. Remember Tony and celebrate his life, his passion and the joy he brought to so many; his impact will be felt forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to Tony at Buonfiglio Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Please visit his memorial page on www.buonfiglio.com to share your memories and upload photos. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA. Northeast Animal Shelter Donation Page