Daniel J. Matera

Daniel J. Matera passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021 at Daughters of Sarah, with his children by his side. He was 94 years young. The son of the late Donato and Catherine (DeLorenzo) Matera, Daniel was born on July 2, 1927 in Albany, NY. Daniel met "his Eleanor" on a blind date in 1947 and they were married on April 12, 1948 in Albany.

Knowing Daniel was to know love. God was evident in every aspect of his life. When he and Eleanor lost their first son, Daniel Jr, his love of God flourished. Everything about Daniel was good and loving. Daniel did not judge; he listened and then spoke, giving you his honest, caring full attention.

Daniel's work life was quite varied - he sold newspapers at the age of 8, was an usher at the Leland Theatre, even worked at a local farm. He proudly served in the US Navy in WW II. In the late 1950's he was hired at Empire Paint Company as Manager until his retirement in the early 1990's. Outside of work, Daniel belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was an active member of the Parish Committee at Our Lady of Angels Church - at OLA, he ran bingo at the school, was a lector, usher and Eucharistic Minister for the parish. His faith, love and commitment of the Catholic religion was a constant.

The other constant was his love of his family. Daniel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He loved family gatherings, cooking his yummy Italian sauce, making Italian cookies, playing Scat, being with his many beloved cats over the years (and Spokey) and gambling with Eleanor at various casinos. Daniel's tradition for hanging all the family Christmas stockings at their house on Christmas Eve doesn't compare to the tradition that "Papa" was the only one who could hand out presents on Christmas Day. We loved his sense of humor and infectious laugh. Daniel will live in our hearts forever and will be greatly missed.

Daniel is survived by his children, Catherine Martinek, Mary Ann (Mark) Marino and David J. (Linda) Matera; his grandchildren, Dea Souza, Andrew Matera, Lucas Marino, Grayson Matera, Tessa (Tommy) Fleming; his great grandchildren, Anthony Souza, Janelle Souza, Destin (Sasha) Souza, Ellie Meka-Fleming, Jaxon Marino, Finnigan Fleming; his great-great grandchildren, Desi Souza, Luci Souza. He is also survived by his brother, Nicholas (Arlene) Matera; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Daniel is predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Eleanor; his son, Daniel J. Matera Jr.; and his sisters, Lena Layaou and Angie Vitetta.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Thursday November 18, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 10:30 am at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St, Albany, NY 12208. Burial will follow the service at St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave, Menands, NY 12204.

The Matera family respectfully requests unvaccinated individuals wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Daniel's name to the Covenant House, 461 Eighth Ave, NY, NY 10001 or to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204.