Earl Joseph Matt

Earl J. Matt, age 67, of Ava, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born March 27, 1950, in Rome a son of the late John and Mary Piatkowski Matt and educated in Adirondack schools. Earl was united in marriage to the former Marlene Rapke, on May 21, 1977, in St. Joseph’s Church in Lee Center. He formerly worked at Pettibone Corp and later employed for the County of Oneida, retiring after 27 years of service. He also proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1970. He was a member of the Henry P. Smith Post, American Legion, Rome DAV and the Westlander Seniors. Earl loved his farm and his Farmall tractors. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with his family and driving his Ford trucks. He had a special love for his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Dee Dee”. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; two daughters and sons in law, Lydia and Nicholas Fields of Ava, and Lisa and Bradley Pritchard of Ava; four brothers and sisters in law, Robert and Nancy Matt of Rome, Richard and Ann Matt of Remsen, James and Emma Matt of Ava, and John and Susan Matt of Cooperstown; a sister in law, Karen Matt, a brother in law, Edward DeFraine; and grandchildren, Delanie Pritchard, Jaycee Fields, Griffin Pritchard and Nicholas Fields; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, including Lori Brown, Elaine Tasovac, Samantha Matt and Abigail Roberts. He was predeceased by a sister, Anna DeFraine and brothers, Edward, Lawrence and Stanley Matt. The family wishes to thank Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, Dr. Gordon Fung, Stacey Jaskolka and Hospice for their care, compassion and friendship extended to Earl during his illness. Also, the Westlander Seniors for their continuous flow of cards and support. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:30 AM from Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Robert L. Kelly, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Church in Lee Center. Burial will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park in Kirkland. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Monday 4 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care or the Lustgarten Foundation, for the cure of pancreatic cancer.