Obituary of Ralph E. Matta Sr.

Ralph E. Matta Sr., 75, died from congestive heart failure on January 24, 2022. Some think he died of a broken heart as his death was just weeks after his loving wife of 43 years passed.  Ralph was born July 13, 1946 in Standish to the late Nicholas Matta and Frances Harmon.

He was a “jack of all trades” from the age of 15 until 1977 when he started working at Saunders Brothers. Ralph worked as a forklift operator for over 25 years. He went on to work at Shaw Bros and Hillside Lumber until his health forced him to find a less physically demanding job as a dishwasher at Fireside Inn. He was a hardworking man who always provided for his family. Despite his medical challenges, he persevered and helped anyone in need. Ralph enjoyed a frequent cigar, bean suppers, going to fairs and puttering around local garages.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents; his wife Elizabeth Matta; brothers Robert Matta and George Matta; sisters Ruth, Shirley Harmon, Beverly Stevens. Surviving are his children, Ralph Matta Jr. and Kristi Matta; brother Jerry Harmon and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday October 9, 2022 at Standish Town Hall, 175 Northeast Rd, Standish. Interment will follow in Steep Falls Cemetery. Reception will be held at Town Hall after interment.