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2 tree(s) planted in memory of John DeMatteis
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Lydia Mercurio uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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What a great father, grandfather, and great grandfather we love you
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Lydia Mercurio uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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Always in our hearts you will be missed
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Megan Torres uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
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John DeMatteis. One of those guys who was just amazing at everything he did.
Baseball? He was in the minor leagues for the Brooklyn Dodgers.. playing catch with him as a little girl was no joke.
Golf? He loved the sport and he’s the one who taught me how to hit the hell out of a golf ball towards a tarp in Pine Bush.
Dancing? The man knew how to move. I remember being in his arms and trying to keep up with him. He was always such a gentleman leading the way.
Grandpa was obviously an amazing athlete. Many of my memories of him also include summers of swimming, playing pool volleyball & watching him jog down Stein Road wondering how this man could run for fun.
OK, so grandpa may not have been a Frank Sinatra, but he loved singing & performing. For years he would make noise on the piano in the casino with me and sing songs like leaning on the lamppost. The man knew how to entertain. Even in his later years, with his story telling abilities, this man’s personality always shined brighter than most.
Many of you may not know this, but Grandpa had a bit of A computer nerd personality at one point. The man loved himself some windows 95 computer games - flight simulator was a favorite of his.
You can obviously tell through my memories that Grandpa was also one of those guys that was just always there. I’ve only been around for a fraction of his life, but for me, I’ve had an entire lifetime of John DeMatteis entertaining me, teaching me, and actually wanting to spend his time with me. As silly as that may sound, I’ve learned that when people truly love you, they actually want to be around you. This man always accepted us, and genuinely loved me (&keri… & his grandsons John and Jason. He always got a kick out of you guys too.)
I’m going to miss the way he would playfully put my hair on his bald head. I’m going to miss the way he would smile when he saw any of his grandkids or great grandkids walk into a room. Im going to miss the way he cracked himself up most of all and would grab your arm as he was making himself laugh. I’m just going to miss him.
I wanted to share one more thing that I hope will ease your heart as it has mine just a tiny bit. The evening Grandpa died, there was a beautiful glow of the sunset behind the clouds. I remember describing it to him and that was one of the last things said as we listened to his music softly, holding hands. The next morning, there was an overwhelmingly beautiful pink glow behind the clouds at sunrise. In that moment, I knew he was okay. I’ll See you again, Grandpa. I Love you and thank you for everything.
-Megan
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The Forbes Family planted a tree in memory of John DeMatteis
Monday, January 13, 2025
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Our condolences Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Salvatore Dematteis uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, January 11, 2025
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Army Days
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Salvatore Dematteis posted a condolence
Saturday, January 11, 2025
the life and effects of identical twins---when reminiscing of the past , you have a togetherness of inseparability so close that unless you are a twin one cannot imagine. We dress alike, school together, army together, worked at the post office. same station zone 10 vanderveer brooklyn. We lived in a 2 family house upstairs and down with a 30 yr mortgage,--and went on to raise our families till they were on their own. I think it can be called an accomplishment of life.
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Michael Dematteis posted a condolence
Saturday, January 11, 2025
I consider myself very lucky to have Uncle John in my day to day growing up.
When I think back I remember how he would share his knowledge and advice with me when he believed it to be helpful.
At gatherings I will never forget how much fun he had. Also, how he would do anything and everything for others to laugh and enjoy themselves.
His smile is one that I will never forget.
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Angela Pomo uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 10, 2025
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I will always remember Uncle Johnny, as my mom John’s sister Agnes called him, for his glowing smile and the fun and laughter he brought to every gathering. Whether he was singing and dancing or telling a story or a joke you were laughing until you cried. I pray he is joining his loved ones in a better place bringing him peace and love forever.
Love his niece Angel
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Frances Babbino Zaleck uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 10, 2025
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Q: What will you never forget about John?
A: John was an Uncle to me from as way back as 5 without our being blood relations.
Our family lived across the street from the DeMatteis' and our parents were great friends. I remember every holiday and event that John and Marie were always present. I remember John and his brother always being the life of the party and always truly happy.
In Brooklyn, they had an above ground pool. Uncle John would play with all the kids on the block when we talked our way into their pool. He would play Marco Polo, racing games, diving for items. My favorite recollection of playing with Uncle John in the pool was a game we would play where he would make me get on his back, wrap my arms and legs around his torso as tight as I could. He would then take us both under the water and spin around and around trying to get me to let go before he would have to surface. He swore I was a fish and I was trying to drown him.
I love my Uncle John and all the memories he has made in my life. Dear Uncle John, please continue to make all of heaven laugh and sing your crazy wonderful songs forever.
A Memorial Tree was planted for John DeMatteis
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at William M. Gagan Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of John P. DeMatteis uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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