Ralph Matera, age 64 passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 15, 2020. He fought courageously for 9 months having been diagnosed with a gliosarcoma of the brain.
Ralph was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was the fourth child of Aniello and Carolyn Matera. He married his sweetheart Kathy at the age of 23 and together they spent 42 wonderful years together. He and Kathy were blessed with 4 wonderful children all who were instrumental in his loving care. He is the son-in-law of Kathryn Graham (NHC, JC) who he lovingly helped care for until his diagnosis. He is the Papa to 3 adoring grandsons who he would often take on outings to “Build America”, construction hats and belt included.
A BS in Mechanical Engineering led Ralph to his first job in Maryville, Tn. with The Aluminum Company of America. He later completed a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Tennessee. His job with ALCOA took him and his family on many adventures. During his tenure he lived and worked in Maryville, Tn., Bettendorf Iowa, Budapest Hungary and Lebanon, Pa. After retiring from ALCOA, he took a job as CEO of Bristol Metals. Johnson City become his new home and eventually the home of Harp Legacy Construction a company he started with a partner Kenny Harp.
Ralph and his family were privileged to have had the opportunity to live in various wonderful cities where they made many genuine and lifetime friends.
In addition to loving his work he had many other hobbies that he pursued with equal intensity. He loved coaching girls’ softball, and he loved to snow ski in Colorado with his son. He had a passion for planting tulips and flowering trees. He was an accomplished woodworker and left many beautiful pieces for his family to enjoy. He worked out every day of his life and encouraged others to do the same. He loved designing and building beautiful backyard spaces. Boating was just another way for Ralph to spend time with his family that he loved so much. Tellico Lake, UT Football, Dollywood and the beautiful mountains of East Tn. were some of his favorite things.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aniello and Carolyn Matera and his sister Ann O’Connell. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Jack Graham; and brother-in-laws, Michael, Thomas and Joseph Graham.
Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory are his wife Kathy, his son Nicholas Matera, his daughters Bonnie Matera (fiance Brad Cornelison), Kelly Matera, Holly Mazzia and husband Michael. Grandsons, Cole, Caden and Bryce Mazzia. Special nephew, Austin Graham. His brother, John Matera. His sisters, Lucille McLaughlin and husband Artie, sister, Frances Meehan and husband Bill. Brother-in-laws Bill O’Connell, John Graham and wife Donna, Sister-in-law Jennie Matera and Mother-in-law Kathryn Graham. Last, not but least a plethora of nieces and nephews, all loved and adored by their uncle ralph.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2020 from 4:00 PM until 6:45 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. A Service with a time of sharing of memories will follow at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Dustin Collins officiating. Committal Service and Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Matera Estate at Monte Vista Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Tisch Brain Tumor Center, DUMC 3624, Durham, NC 27710 or by visiting https://tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu/donate.
The family would like to thank the various caregivers that helped along the way especially Robert Castle who showed us all what true kindness and loving care looks like.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Ralph Matera and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
