Obituary of Joseph Samuel DiMatteo

Joseph Samuel “Sam” DiMatteo, of Lakeland, Florida, aged 80, died after an illness, on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He was born on February 19, 1940, in Salem, New Jersey, and was the oldest son of the late Giuseppe “Joseph” DiMatteo and Mary Elizabeth Rader. Mr. DiMatteo resided in Bridgeton, New Jersey, for most of his life before retiring to Florida with his wife, Mary L. DiMatteo. Sam graduated and received his diploma in 1959, from Bridgeton High School. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served from 1961 until 1965. After training at Parris Island, SC, he was stationed at Okinawa, Japan, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. While stationed at Camp Lejeune he was deployed on an international training mission with Spain for Exercise Steel Pike I. He attained the rank of Corporal before receiving an honorable discharge. He was later employed by Central New Jersey Railroad for almost 20 years and afterwards was self-employed. He was an enthusiast of all sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was an avid golfer who loved to play with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary L. (nee Burlew) DiMatteo, one son, Anthony J. DiMatteo and his wife, Elizabeth A. (nee Catov), of Oxford, PA; two granddaughters, Tiffany M. Abrugiato (Anthony) of Millville, NJ, and Katherine M. DiMatteo, student at Penn State University; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel J. Weaver and Ellie Rose Abrugiato, of Millville, NJ; brother, Michael DiMatteo of Rosenhayn, NJ, and sister, Gail Wagner, of Madison, GA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service for Sam, on Saturday, May 1st, at 10:00 o’clock, at the Padgett Funeral Home, 1107 State Hwy 77, Upper Deerfield Township, NJ. Interment will immediately follow at Laurel Lawn Cemetery, in Upper Deerfield Township and will include military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Due to current regulations associated with the Covid-19 healthcare situation, we are limited to 75 people within the funeral home at a time and the understanding and cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.