William R. Mattes

NEW MIDDLETOWN - William "Bill" R. Mattes, 94, formerly of Struthers, passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Masternick Memorial Health Care Center.

Bill was born on May 30, 1923, in Monaca, Pa., a son of Peter and Katherine (Alesi) Mottes.

Raised in Monaca, he was a 1941 graduate of Monaca High School. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps serving during World War II. He worked as a bookkeeper for J&L Steel and retired from Crucible Steel, Midland, Pa.

Bill was a member of the Faith Community Church in Youngstown. All who knew Bill will remember him for his gentle and happy nature and most of all his smile. He loved everyone and was often referred to as "the sweetest man ever."

His wife, the former Margaret "Peg" Majors, whom he married on Dec. 7, 1974, preceded him in death on Dec. 21, 2016.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Karen (Dave) Reese of Beaver, Pa.; stepdaughter, Marsha (Duane) Bailey of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; sister, Sarah "Sally" Dawson of Ambridge, Pa.; five grandchildren, Meghan Mattes, Marcus Mattes, Shannon (Chuck) Hanton, Colin Reese, and Dane Reese; three great-grandchildren, Chase, Chelsea, and Ella; two stepgrandchildren, Thomas Bailey and Bobbie (David) Stager; and three step-great-grandchildren, Zachary, Brendan, and Ayden.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Ken Mattes; three brothers, Peter, John, and Andrew Mattes; and two sisters, Katherine Pavlinich and Mary Miller.

A private service for the family was held Tuesday at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. Interment was at Lake Park Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thank all of the nurses and staff at Windsor Assisted Living, Masternick Memorial Health Care Center, and Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and great care they gave to Bill.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.