Joseph F. Matera

Joseph, is survived, by his loving, and devoted wife, Lois, of 61 years of marriage. He is also survived by his brother, Monsignor, Frank J. Matera of the Archdiocese Of Hartford. He leaves behind his two devoted children, Michael and his wife (Elizabeth), Susan and her husband (Kevin). Joseph was a proud grandfather, to Joshua and wife (Jenna), Zachary and Jonathan. He was also a great-grandfather to Hunter and Adeline.

Our father Joseph, was a local entrepreneur, who founded Surplus Unlimited, a popular family discount, retail fixture, in Norwich. He opened in 1981, on Laurel Hill, with a small staff. His son Michael and daughter Susan, took great pride working with their father. Brenda Hovland, was hired as a retail cashier, and office manager, where she is still working today! Surplus Unlimited, flourished, and Joseph, wanted to grow, so he purchased land on W. Main Street in 1986. That land, was soon transformed into Willow Tree Plaza. Many businesses, quickly filled his plaza, including Surplus Office Store, that adjoined Surplus Unlimited. Joseph, proudly purchased, the Iconic Muffler Man statue, that stands in the plaza today. It is loved by locals, and visitors from afar, and has been in books and magazines, tv shows, and even a comic strip in the local newspapers! Our father, was an exceptional "hands on guy."

In the beginnings of opening his business, he would drive through New England and New York, picking up inventory, in his van, with his father Joseph. He wanted to see things in person, pick his merchandise, and not rely on freight companies to deliver his goods. Our father, quickly developed a deep reputation, of a hard working business owner, and the most kind, highly generous man, that regularly gave back to local charities and communities. He taught us, that customer service was the "key" and wealth was not a success, of his business, but by the number of lives that he was able to uplift from kindness and generosity, respect and to always be humble.

The love of his community, was so important to him. He was sharp, a visionary of everything and he was tireless. We learned how to run a business with the best deals, best prices, and to never be greedy. Repeat customers, is what made dad happy. He knew everyone by name, and loved when they would stop and talk to him in the aisles, as he was putting up his inventory. He always said, "It will never sell, in the backroom." He was a one-of-a-kind, love of life, with a sincere passion for fishing, and golfing with dear friends. He was full of energy, that a lot of us, had a hard time keeping up with. He did it all. Our dedicated employees, loved our father, and he respected them as family. They are also what made Surplus Unlimited thrive, but no business will flourish without the support of an incredible spouse, and that is our mother, Lois.

From the start of our father's dream, our mother was there. Loving and kind, having dinner on the table, every night, when dad walked in thoroughly exhausted. She always wanted to know how his day was, what was new in the store, and just an ear, to anything dad wanted to share. Together, they made such a beautiful life. A truly exceptional, rare love, that was simply contagious to others. With the love of their family, and Sunday dinners, and the love of their grandchildren, surrounding their table, was all dad needed and wanted. He was always proud to hear laughing children, a family game at the table, or stories of his childhood. Happy grandparents, made this family. Our hearts are truly broken, but we also know, that he is at peace. We will always remember him as a true legacy, not only for his passion of the family business, but the true love of his family, the outpouring of love that was given back to him, for the gifts that he has given us. We want to acknowledge our very strong mother. She has been an angel, and always remained so strong, in the best care of her husband. The love they have shared for 61 years, is just beautiful.

A wonderful thank to our first caregiver, Aray, who developed a compassionate, caring relationship with our father. We are forever grateful. Jean and Duke, for their unbelievable love for my father, with the best care and respect for him, as days became harder. This family is so, very thankful. A very special thank you to Dr. Nicolas J. Astras of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, for his kindness, and compassion in our father's last hours. We will never forget you.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks perhaps a donation can be made to the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association at www.support.apdaparkinson.org, or the National Blood Clot Alliance at www.stoptheclot.org.

Calling Hours/Visitation for Joseph will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 211 Broadway, Norwich. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Mausoleum, 815 Boswell Avenue, Norwich