Matilda "Mattie" Clune

Mattie was born in Glen Cove, Long Island on January 9, 1922, the daughter of Joseph and Ella (Raab) Maurer. She graduated from St. Boniface Elementary School and Sea Cliff High School. In 1938 at the age of 16, she entered State Teachers College at Oneonta as a member of the first four-year class, graduating in 1942 with a Bachelors of Education degree.

While attending Oneonta State, she met Daniel J. Clune, Jr. On July 26, 1942, they were married at St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Sea Cliff, Long Island. In August of that year, Dan entered the Army Air Force to serve in World War II. That September Mattie began her first teaching job in East Hampton, Long Island. She also taught in Glenwood Landing, Long Island. Mattie did her part during the war, serving as a civilian airplane spotter in East Hampton. When Dan returned from the war in 1945, the couple moved to Oneonta, Dan’s hometown. There they raised eight children.

In 1965 Mattie resumed her teaching career at Center Street School in Oneonta, where she taught 4th and 5th grade until her retirement in 1986. Mattie was always grateful that, in addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was able to fulfill her childhood ambition to become a teacher.

Mattie had many interests. She loved reading, gardening, playing bridge, spending time with friends, doing crafts, volunteering, and cheering on her children and grandchildren in their many athletic endeavors, as well as being a very active member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, most recently as a volunteer with the Holy Sews group.

Mattie’s greatest joy was her family. Affectionately known as “Mom Mom,” she was a loving, devoted, and humorous mother. Mattie is survived by her children Diane Leo, Michael (Heidi) Clune, Marie (Jerry) Pitarresi, Janet Baker, Daniel (Martha) Clune III, daughter-in-law Colleen Clune, Robert (Linda) Clune, and Paul “Chopper” (Susan) Clune. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Daniel J. Clune, Jr. in 2001, her son John in 2002, and her sons-in-law Bill Leo and Ron Baker. She leaves 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson, as well as special nieces, Sandra Giordano and Marsha Fillipone, and special nephew Jim Clune, all of whom held a special place in her heart. Her family cherishes the memory of many wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings at her home.

To her family and friends, Mattie’s heartfelt wish was that they “cultivate” a sense of humor. She said it put everything in life in perspective.

Mattie's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice nurses and especially Home Health Aide, Courtney Arnold, who took such wonderful care of Mattie the last several weeks. Sincerest thanks also to Mattie’s most thoughtful and caring Spruce St. neighbors, Si Vigari, Lee and Joanne Fisher, Celeste and Ed Leone, and Joe and Lillian Fass.

Mattie’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta at 11 o’clock on Friday, November 6, 2026. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 on Thursday, November 5th at Grummons-Bookhout-Bennett Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Grummons Funeral Home www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Mattie’s memory to two organizations that were special to her, Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Rd. Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820 or Holy Sews c/o St. Mary’s Church.