Obituary of Pio Antonio DeMatteo
Pio Antonio DeMatteo, a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Watchung, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 98. Born on August 30, 1925, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Pio was the son of Dominick and Palma DeMatteo. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Pio grew up in Plainfield and later resided in North Plainfield, where he started his family with his beloved wife, Sara “Sally.” In 1961 he moved to Watchung where he enjoyed the mountains and lush landscapes and cherished his growing family.
A graduate of Plainfield High School, Pio’s life took a profound turn when he was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II. From December 1, 1943, until May 18, 1946, Pio served his country with honor and distinction. Stationed in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and California, Pio played a critical role aboard the USS Hornet as a catapult operator, ensuring the successful launch of aircraft from the ship’s short flight deck. His service during the war was a testament to his courage, skill, and unwavering dedication to his country.
After earning his honorable discharge, Pio returned home to New Jersey, where he began working with his older brother, Elio, as co-owners of the Blue Star Diner in North Plainfield. It was here that fate played its hand and Pio met the love of his life, Sally. In a moment that his family lovingly recounts, Pio saw Sally walk into the diner and confidently told his brother, “That’s the woman I’m going to marry.” And so he did. Pio and Sally fell deeply in love, started a family, and shared a life filled with joy, hard work, and countless memories.
With a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create his own business, Pio apprenticed with other builders, but quickly became a talented “self-taught” home builder, eventually starting his own business, DeMatteo Builders. Pio built many beautiful ranch and split-level style homes, mostly in Piscataway. After decades as a successful builder, he retired in 1980. He left behind a legacy of beautiful homes, unique in that they contained many touches of family-centered details.
Family was the center of Pio’s world. He attended St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Plainfield as a child, and later the family became members of Wilson Memorial Union Church in Watchung. Pio found immense pleasure in vacations with family and friends, especially summers in Lavallette and family Christmases in St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands. Sunday dinners were a sacred tradition in the DeMatteo household, with Pio at the helm in the kitchen. His Italian meals were legendary, and his talent as a cook was something his family will always cherish.
Pio’s zest for life extended beyond his family and work. He was an avid boating and fishing enthusiast and owned two boats during his lifetime: "Our Dawn" and later, "Sara Anna." He also had a passion for old cars, with a particular fondness for Cadillacs and Lincolns. Pio enjoyed golfing and was a former member of Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung. Trips to the casinos, including the Trump Marina and Harrah’s in Atlantic City, and the Sands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, brought him great joy, whether he was playing blackjack or trying his luck at the slots. In addition, Pio loved the game of chess and would often beat his opponents with his 3-move checkmate.
But of all the joys in Pio’s life, his family was the greatest. He was a devoted husband to his beloved Sally, who passed away in 2019, and he missed her every day thereafter. Pio was a loving father to his four daughters, a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, and a doting great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren. He stayed close to his family, always knowing what was going on in their lives and offering his support, wisdom, and love. Pio’s legacy of love, strength, dedication to family, and his many friendships will live on.
Pio was predeceased by his loving wife, Sally, in 2019, and his son-in-law, Anthony Mita, also in 2019. He was also predeceased by his five brothers, Adolph, Dante, Mario, Gino and Elio; and his sister Igea.
He is survived by his four daughters, Susan Gavin and her husband Dave, Lisa DeMatteo and her husband Ken Voss, Cindy Mita, and Saralin Flohn and her husband Drew; his seven grandchildren, Kelly Cupit, Andrew Gavin, Jacqueline Picard, Margot Dolbier, Kyle Mita, Andrea Flohn, and Bill Flohn; and his 11 great-grandchildren, Ben, Kasey, Juliet, Tripp, Colette, Nathan, Aiden, Emma, Oliver, Otis, and Lennon.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt Airy Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, followed by entombment.
Memorial donations may be made in Pio’s loving name to Smile Train, a charity dedicated to providing cleft treatment for children in need.
Pio Antonio DeMatteo will be deeply missed, but his of love of life, passion to help others, and amazing inventiveness and ingenuity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Flowers can be arranged by Warren County Florist - 908-757-1100.
