Joseph Leon Matassa Jr.

Joseph Leon Matassa, Jr., a native and resident of Donaldsonville, LA, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the age of 95. He was born on February 2, 1923 to Sicilian immigrants Joseph Matassa, Sr. of Cefalu, Sicily and Rosa Leone Matassa of Donaldsonville. Mr. Joe is survived by a daughter and four sons; Anne Rose Matassa Reeves and husband, Edwin, Joey Matassa, Kenny Matassa and wife Selma, David Matassa and wife Ramona, and Michael Matassa; grandchildren, Aron and wife Carrie, Kendal and wife Michelle, Tony and wife Candyse, James and wife Bonnie, Nicolas and wife Ann, Lauren and husband Mark, Natalie and husband Jason, Beverly and husband Beau, Shelley and husband Armin, Sean, Trey and wife Heidi, Christopher and wife Kari, and Corrine and husband Anthony; great grandchildren, Andrew, Reid, Jay, Luke, Lillian, Michael, Caroline, Kaleb, Jewel, Caitlyn, Chance, Isabella, Ava, Anna Kate, Amelia, Emmett, Oliver, Cecile, Jaxon and Todd; 2 great great grandchildren, Bennie Rose and Jonah; and a sister in law, Rose Marie Sheppard. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Bena Sotile Matassa; daughter in law, Chris Roques Matassa; parents, Joseph Matassa, Sr. and Rosa Leone Matassa; a brother, Phillip Matassa; sister in law, Lucille Matassa; and a great grandson, Jacob Matassa. Mr. Joe served his country with dignity and honor in WW II achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was the first Commander of the American Legion in Donaldsonville and served as District Commander. He was a member of the V.F.W. and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member and past president of his beloved St. Joseph Society of 1916 keeping it alive and well along with his loyal trusted friend, member and current President, Andrew “Banana” LeBlanc and was a member of the Cefalutana Society of New Orleans. Mr. Joe served as past president of the Ascension Parish Cancer Society. He was also a member of Riverdale Country Cub where he enjoyed golf and socials. He loved to play tennis while at LSU and abroad. Upon return from WW II, Mr. Joe, along with his dad and brother Phillip, helped run the family businesses; Matassa Electrical, Matassa Furniture Store, Matassa Appliances, Matassa Radios and Televisions, Matassa Motor Company and Big M Corporation. In 1966, along with his wife Bena, they owned and operated a Sears Roebuck Catalog Store for over 20 years in Donaldsonville and added a satellite store in Pierre Part run by his son Kenny. Mr. Joe was a loyal member of Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church where he dedicated his time and effort to church and the Ascension Catholic School Fairs. He was coordinator of the Adoration Chapel and a Catechism teacher and church lector. He was the patriarch of the Matassa family. He attended St. Vincent Institute and graduated from Holy Cross High School in New Orleans. He attended LSU until his studies were cut short by WW II, drafted as a junior at LSU. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Joe was voted Boss of the Year in 1973 by the Donaldsonville Jaycees and employer of the Year in 1974 by the DECA Chapter. An avid hunter, Mr. Joe was an officer with the Burton Schwartz Hunting Club along with his loyal friends the Gomez, Martinez, LeBlanc and Medine families of Brusly McCall. His devotion and love for his church and family was never compromised during his life. He maintained his family traditions of family gatherings from his childhood to the family camp on Lake Verrett, affectionately known as the “Choupique Hilton”. His memories will be cherished and he will be sadly missed by family and friends.The family wishes a special thanks to Dr. Glenn Schexnayder, the staff of Comfort Care Hospice, nurses Debra and Jamie, and his caregivers; KeKe, Rose, Kim, Allison, Betty, Marie and Barbara. Visiting will be at Ourso Funeral Home, Donaldsonville on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Monday at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, Donaldsonville from 8:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, Father Paul Yi and Father Cleo Milano officiating. Entombment to follow in the church mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Aron Matassa, Kendal Matassa, Tony Matassa, Nicolas Matassa, James Matassa, Sean Matassa, Trey Reeves, Christopher Reeves and Joseph Matassa. Phillip Matassa, Steven Matassa, Jason Maxwell, Beau Greene, Mark Josephs, Armin Reiser and Anthony Montes de Oca will serve as honorary pallbearers.