Jerome Francis Mattera (Jerry)

Mattera, Jerome Francis (Jerry) Passed away peacefully at his home in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his family on February 11, 2015. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 1, 1935 to Geremia Mattera and Teresina Iacono. Jerry grew up in Chicago, Illinois where he met the love of his life Christine Regina Kowalski and they married on January 7, 1956. They moved to Carpentersville, Illinois where they provided a safe and loving home for their daughters. They lived in this home until the children were grown before moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1978. Though this may have been a planned escape, this family unit could not be parted and their daughters followed them to Arizona. Their Arizona home soon became a place for family to create more wonderful memories, and where grandchildren loved to play and swim. They remained married and devoted to each other for 49 years before Christine's death on September 15, 2004. In his youth he enjoyed piloting small planes, riding his Harley Davidson, skeet shooting, boating, and woodworking. However he was most passionate about his family. His unwavering dedication to his wife and daughters was evident to all who knew him. He was also considered a father figure or mentor for many people in his life. Jerry is survived by his daughters Debra Mason (Greg Mason) and Tambra Mattera, his adopted daughter Jean Biggs (Mark Biggs); his grandchildren Michael Moos (Claudia Moos), George Ward (Tiffany Ward), and Christina Turley (Cliff Turley); and his great grandchildren, Logan Cole, Bailey Cole, Satava Turley, Kyrie Moos, Zoe Moos, and Ryder Ward. Memorial services will be held at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary 7924 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301 on February 21, 2015. Visitation from 11-12 and Memorial service from 12-1pm. Burial immediately following at Resthaven Park Cemetery 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301.