Jose was born on September 21, 1929 in Guayaquil, Ecuador to Jose Felipe Mata Veliz and Carmelina Ordonez de Mata. He graduated from The University of the South (Sewanee) in 1955 with a degree in Economics. He married Barbara Nelson in 1961. After moving to Miami Lakes, Jose began working for Wausau Insurance Company as a Senior Safety Consultant. Over a period of five years, the couple welcomed three children into their home and Jose set about teaching them the value of education, hard work, and a healthy and active lifestyle. His children remember him as an active, engaging, and athletic father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Jose was an accomplished athlete well into his later years and competed in numerous 5k and 10k races across North America. He was a fun loving and charming individual who loved loudly engaging with people and coaching youth sports. Jose was passionate about encouraging young people to believe in themselves and choose the right path in life. Jose was an active and dedicated member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Miami Lakes and often volunteered with the Miami Lakes Optimists Club.
A memorial service is scheduled for 7:00 pm October 24th at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Coral Springs. The service will be preceded by a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Monsignor Souckar will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jose’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jose Mata to Susan G. Komen at 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380. The family would like to thank the nurses at Vitas who cared for Jose while in hospice for their dedication and caring during Jose’s last days.
Jose is survived by his wife Barbara of Parkland, FL; children Anna Paccone of Dallas, TX, Lisa Walsh of Rye, NY, Michael Mata of Atlanta, GA, and Joseph Mata of Bethesda, MD; step-daughters Robin Litt of Boca Raton,Fl and Joy Campbell of Ocala, FL; grandchildren Brittany Bryant of Richmond, CA, Lona Claybourn of Arizona, Stacy Gareau of Deerfield Beach, FL, Chelsea Campbell, Michael Walsh of Austin, TX, Stephen Walsh of New York, NY, Mark Walsh of San Francisco, CA, Grace Mata and Nicholas Mata of Atlanta, GA, Luke Mata of Bethesda, MD; great-granddaughters Kayden Dallas of Richmond, CA, and Lily Gareau of Deerfield Beach, FL; sisters Elba and Esperanza of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Jose is preceded in death by his parents Jose Felipe Mata Veliz and Carmelina Ordonez de Mata of Guayaquil, Ecuador and siblings Hugo, Anita, Miguel, and Carmen and granddaughter Alexandra Paccone.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Mata family.
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