John Matarelli

November 4, 2013
John Matarelli

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John Matarelli, 91, of New Port Richey, Florida, formerly of Peoria, IL., died peacefully with his wife at his side, holding his hand on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013.

Born April 10, 1922 in Peoria, IL. To Dominic and Theresa (Santerelli) Matarelli, immigrant parents from Calascio and LaRoca, Italy, he married LaVonne Gay Neaveill on June 7, 1941 in Palmyra, MO. She survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Joesph (Peggy), Ellis [Smuck], William [Ed] (Grace), Ernie (Fern) and Cy (Olidene); and two sisters, Alberta Ciccerelli (Joe) of Toulca, IL. And Judy Trebble (Ted) of Springfield, MO.
Surviving are one son, James Michael Matarelli of Peoria, IL.; one daughter, Teresa Lynn(Neal) Goldstein of Sausalito, CA.; four grandchildren; Freya A. Carroll(Travis) of Idaho, Orion Sky Carlson of Port Townsend, WA., Dominic (Jessamy) Matarelli of Peoria, IL. And Maria Matarelli of Chicago, IL., and three great-grandchildren (soon to be four), Rigel Steven Carlson of Port Townsend, WA., Samuel Harrison and Benjamin Adam Matarelli, with another on the way of Peoria, IL.

John attended St. Ceicia Grade School and Spalding High School, and worked for WABCO (formerly R.G. LeTourneau) retiring in August 1982 after 40 years of service. His last position was as an expediter.

He was a WWII, U.S. Navy veteran serving as a gunner on the USS Manhattan and the USS George Taylor In the pacific campaign and was honorable discharged.

John?s loves were his family, dancing, fishing, landscaping, and sports. He was a true fisherman who often fished from the banks of the Tri-county area creeks and rivers from sunrise till sunset. He also played on several LeTourneau/WABCO softball teams. He was especially proud of the achievements of his children and grandchildren, being on an undefeated St. Ceicia football team in grade school, and having a honeymoon picture in the book, ?Peoria, Memories II?. He was an example to those around him with an impeccable, tenacious work ethic. A picture of John operating a roll machine at R.G. LeTourneau is part of a slide presentation at the new Peoria Riverfront Museum. His philosophy of life was that of a perfectionist. He believed in always giving his best effort regardless of the task. He also believed in good stewardship. His low mileage cars were immaculate and were sought after by others. After retirement in 1982, he and his wife, LaVonne, retired to Florida where they became avid dancers. For over thirty years, they dined and danced often and danced every dance. Their friends and associates nicknamed them ?Fred (Astaire) and Ginger (Rogers).?

The Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home in New Port Richey, Florida will handle arrangements with no visitation. Cremation will be accorded with private burial of his ashes next to his parents in Peoria, IL. Online condolences may be made to jematarelli@dewberry.com.


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  • November 05, 2013
    The Staff of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home says:
    Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.