Edward Patrick Mata

March 17, 1927 – April 20th, 2016

Obituary

Edward Patrick Mata was born in Chino, California to Ernesto & Maria Mata on the luckiest day of the year, March 17, 1927. He was the second of four children, which included Esther, Hope and Phil. In his teens he served several years in the Korean War.

After his return and a few jitterbugs later he met and married the woman who would be his life partner, Esther Herrera Mata. The years that followed would bring them to the City of Riverside. Their family tree quickly grew with children: Eddie, Dennis, Patsy & Stella. As the years passed and the children grew, so did the family.

Edward’s career with the Meat Cutters Union came to a close around the time his first few grandchildren were born.

Each branch of the Mata tree grew stronger as Alecia, Tonya, Melina, Yvette, Tamara, Erica Caylin, Sean, Katie and Randy Jr. came into the family. Between years of teaching his grandkids to swim and traveling the world with his sweetheart, he never stopped working.

A passion for building with a knack for carpentry, his hands told the story of a man who lived to know joy and hardship. Never taking a day in vain, "Lalo", as he was known to many, turned friends into family. Whether it was through work, neighbors or someone who needed a helping hand, no one was a stranger for long.

If you were lucky enough to meet and know Edward P. Mata, you likely understood that his pot of gold was nestled in the hearts of those who loved him.

On his last days, with Esther by his side he gather his “branches” and said goodbye to the family tree he spent his life growing. On Wednesday April 20, 2016, He departed from this life. In his memory his family & friends will live knowing they were lucky to have him and will forever love him.

FOLLOWED BY MEMORIAL SERVICE INFORMATION

Wednesday, May 4th, 2016

10:00am Mass at St Thomas the Apostle Church

3774 Jackson St, Riv.CA 92503

Arrangements under the direction of Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, Riverside, CA.