Obituary of Joseph V. DeMattio

WESTPORT, CONN Beloved Westport local and Staples High School football star, Joseph Vincent DeMattio, passed away on November 24th after a courageous battle with a long time illness. Born on March 19th, 1958 Joseph is survived by a large extended family and hundreds of friends. “Joey” attended University of Maryland where he played defense for the Maryland Terrapins. He was an extraordinary athlete and was also a star player for Sonny’s Softball team. There was never a dull moment in the life of Joey. From running with the bulls in Pamplona to fighting pirates in the Bahamas he was no stranger to adventure or travel. Although Joey held several positions in his career his favorite was working for the Richard’s Family (of Rolling Stones fame). He often said how down to earth and kind the family was to him. Joseph was an exceptionally handsome guy with a huge beautiful smile and an even larger heart. Especially for children or the elderly. At any given gathering, he would often be found throwing the ball with the kids or recounting stories from “back in the day” with the old folks. Joseph was an accomplished inventor and holds 2 provisional patents. Joey loved Saugatuck, Junior’s Hot Dog Stand, Compo Beach, Aunt Jean’s Eggplant Parm, Walter K, Maryland Terrapins - go #75, Ledo’s Pizza, Inventing things, his little dog Tony, his beautiful home, the number 65 (rooned), eating any food - especially Italian, his Saugatuck Saints jacket, Calvin the monkey, yelling at umpires, playing football, traveling, The Three Stooges, The Rolling Stones and Pistaccio Ice Cream. We all love you so much Joey. Saugatuck will never be the same without you. Friends are invited to attend a funeral on Thursday December 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM meeting directly at Assumption Church 98 Riverside Ave Westport, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street, Westport. The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home 210 Post Road East, Westport, CT on Wednesday December 1, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Condolences may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to https://saferefugeofcentraltexas.weebly.com/ where two of Joey’s beloved puppies came from!