Joseph Matera

The oldest child of Mildred (Rhoades) and Arcangelo "Mike" Matera, Joe was born and raised in Riverside, NJ. A strong athlete, Joe loved playing baseball, basketball, and football for Riverside High School and was proud to be inducted years later in their Sports Hall of Fame. Joe maintained lifelong friendships with his Class of 51 classmates.

Joe served in Korea for a couple of years in the US Army. He took great pride in America and the values that it strived for.

Upon his return from Korea, Joe attended night school at Wharton on the GI Bill, studying business and real estate. He started working at the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was there he spotted Elsie Jamison. He always recounted the moment he saw her "walking across the office with her head up, beautiful smile, and straight posture"; he was smitten. After his ardent pursuit, they married in 1956. Eventually settling in Riverton, they raised their four children in the heart of town, on Main Street.

In 1971, Joe resigned from the Railroad and opened Matera Real Estate. He took great pride in his "Mom and Pop" office that operated out of the front of the house. Elsie was his right arm through it all, working along side with him. Business in the front, family in back. In 1979, Joe and Elsie bought a multi-unit investment property in Ocean City, NJ. For the following 19 years, "1741 Central" became another hub which blended work, family gatherings, beloved neighbors, and memory-making. Joe was masterful at balancing fun and friendships amid running his business and investment properties. Friends would drop in for a game of gin on the regular. Conversation and camaraderie were always easy to find at the office. And, Joe was a frequent face at the racetrack(s); he taught his kids the life skill of how to read the Racing Form and handicap horses.

In 1989, Joe and Elsie moved their office up a few doors on Main and moved to Delanco. For many years, they thoroughly enjoyed their home, yard, beautiful views and entertaining loved ones on the river. They delighted as their family grew. Joe adored his 7 grandchildren and would light up the minute he saw them, even in the later years through the fog of dementia. He enjoyed trips and traveling with Elsie, particularly seeing where his father was born in Trani, Italy, and a special trip they shared in Paris.

Joe was known for his honesty, integrity, and instilled an ethic of hard work and independence in his children. A member of Sacred Heart Church in Riverton, he always had deep faith. He had respect for people, no matter their position in life or circumstance, and found great satisfaction when helping people attain their first home and become part of the "American dream." He received an award in the 1980's for operating his business honorably and with equality.

Joe's family will always remember his energy, vivaciousness, laugh, great stories, mischief, his unique ways of simply doing things his way, and his deep, abiding love for Elsie. His heart never mended after losing her in 2007. We will miss the way he used to pick up leaves with his little rake while smoking his cigar, the way he would swindle us in cards, drink wine out of his mug, his ease to laugh at himself, and his lifelong gift of keeping his family as his friends and making his friends his family. He taught us so much by his example.

Joe passed away peacefully at his home on April 8th, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elsie, dear son Joe (Laura), and sister Louise. He will be deeply missed by his children: Susan, Bob (Lisa), and Lisa Matera Harder (George); grandchildren Claire (Eli), Tommy, Kate, Michael, Louise, Jose, and Adrian; brother Mike (Doris), sister Elaine Matera Vogelman (Larry); and sister-in-law Helen Mc Hugh. Plus, a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are private.

In Joe's memory, spend time with a dear friend, play cards, share kindness, love and laughter.