Mark Matera
March 11, 1954 - January 29, 2023
Visitation: Wednesday 6-8PM, Thursday 2-4 & 6-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229
Service: Friday 10:30AM, St. John Neumann Church, 2230 Rochester Rd., Pgh, PA 15237
MATERA
MARK VINCENT
Age 68, of Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 29, 2023, shortly after a cancer diagnosis. He was the son of the late Vincent Matera and Katherine (Kausler) Matera McKeating. In addition to his cherished wife of 43 years, Barbara (Frankart), Mark is survived by his sons Matthew Matera (Courtney Hostetler), Thomas Matera (Emily Anderson), and Patrick Matera; and his grandsons Phineas Mark Matera Hostetler, 7, Robert Vincent Matera Hostetler, 5, and Alexander Dean Matera Hostetler, 5. He was an exemplary and loving husband, father, and grandfather, endlessly proud of his family. Throughout his life, Mark remained exceptionally close to his siblings Marguerite Matera (Angelo Bertolino), John Matera (Carolyn Malleck), and Jennie Makuch (Daniel Makuch). He had a special place in his heart for his father-in-law, Thomas Frankart, and his brother-in-law, Nicholas Frankart (Mary), and was integral to the lives of more cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends than one could list. To many of these he was known and loved as their “Uncle Mark.”
A graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mark was a lawyer for U.S. Steel and H.J. Heinz. He earned the respect of those he worked with and created community everywhere he went, including during the 10 years he spent in Long Beach, California working for Heinz’s Star-Kist Tuna division. After his retirement, he followed his passion for good food and serving others and opened the Passport Café in Wexford, PA. Outside of work, Mark was deeply involved in ministry repairing homes for our neighbors in Preston County, West Virginia through St. John Neumann Church, and served as an active board member of Holy Family Institute and the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority.
All who knew him speak to his generosity and love of life. There are countless stories of Mark going above and beyond to help others, usually while cracking jokes and cooking delicious food to share. He lives on in the lives of the people he inspired and helped, in the homes he improved, and in the hearts of the family and friends who love him.
Friends will be received on Wednesday 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church (Regina Coeli Parish), 2230 Rochester Rd., Pgh, PA 15237, with interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Greenfield. Masks are strongly encouraged for everyone’s safety.
Contributions in Mark’s honor may be made to St. John Neumann’s Appalachia Mission.
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Mark was unsurpassed in his selflessness, generosity, compassion, civic-mindedness and natural sense of humor. His family, to whom he was unspeakably devoted, is remarkable in countless ways. He stands as a model for all of us.
Barbara, I’m so sorry to hear about Mark‘s passing. You were such a vibrant and interesting part of my St Cornelius life with our baptism team and all that you and Mark did. Many prayers and blessings for you as you start this new chapter in your journey. It’s been three years since my Paul died and it’s still is a tender place. ♥️♥️♥️
I am so sorry to hear about Mark’s passing and my prayers go out to him and his family. I have so many fond memories of Mark — especially all the international travel we did together where he always picked the most expensive restaurants and I ended up paying! He had a great sense of humor and a high level of integrity. He will be missed
I always saw a smile on Mark’s face while helping at every Appalachia event. He was such a talented and wonderful person. We are so sad for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD WILL BLESS YOU SPECIAL DURING THIS HARD TIME. LOTS OF LOVE FROM YOUR OBLATE FAMILY, PAT O’
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Matera family. Our kids went to St Cornelius School together in the 1990s and Mark was a very involved parent. He was one of the nicest people you could meet. He leaves a great legacy behind him.
Sincere sympathies to Barbara and family, a life well lived but to short.
My deepest sympathy to Mark’s family. Mark was a truly grounded deeply rooted soul. He was always full of joy and willing to lend a hand, provide advice and support and share a laugh. My heart goes out to you. I pray that you are comforted by your love that lives on. May he rest in the arms of our Lord. I feel privileged to have known such a wonderful person and worked for and with him.
I worked with Mark at Heinz. When I heard that he had passed over, my heart sighed. He was a bright, shining light that went too early.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Deepest sympathy
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I’ll never forget his jolly personality as he was flipping pancakes raising money for the SJN Youth Group to attend World Youth Day 2008. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in good memories and God’s love. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you.
Mark was by far one of the nicest and most ethical people I have ever known.. He was fun to work with Not to mention a pleasure…. My thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family and his extended friends and family…. Rest in peace my friend you left us way too early.
You will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything, from letting us run down the street to play “lemmings” on your computer as kids to going out of your way to visit our Bakery/ Coffee shop and check in on us while visiting Long Beach. (what seemed to only be like a year or so ago) you will live on in all of us that we’re lucky enough to know you. Love to you and the Family.
Barb, may you find peace and consolation at your time of loss I only spent small amounts of time with Mark, but he left a lasting impression on me. May God watch over you and your family. bebe
Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss. It has been such a long time since we were together at Duquesne. I miss our conversations. My prayers are with you now.
Carol Cicci
Sending my condolences to the entire Matera family. Wishing you comfort and peace as you think fondly of all the loving memories you shared with Mark and the many lives he touched.
Such a treasure to have crossed Mark’s trails during his precious lifetime, and so grateful for our moments together in this world.
-MPAC
Barb: I am very sorry to learn about Mark’s passing. I was honored to be named an “honorary M” in the M study group in law school. Mark was an unfailingly good humored presence at our daily lunch table. Law schools don’t always do a good job to teach the most important qualities of lawyering, such as honesty, integrity and good faith, but Mark had those in abundance. Although we fell out of touch over the years as our careers went in different directions, our time together in law school was a crucible which made our brotherhood eternal. I regret that I will not be able to pay my respects in person due to surgery last Thursday which restricts my movements. Rest assured though that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, be with you now and always.
That smile. That wit. He was a gentle giant in so many ways, especially when around kids. He was indeed one of the special ones. Our condolences to Barb and his family for their tremendous loss. Praying you feel God’s peace when you need it most.
Mark was the nicest guy in the world; full of warmth and caring, as well as a constant stream of jokes that elicited groans. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathies to Barb and the family.
I enjoyed working with Mark in the 1990’s at Heinz and he was always a trusted friend and colleague. Rest in Peace
We lost a true friend, compassionate, giving human being. Words can’t express what he meant to our community.
“Uncle Mark” as he was known by the Pittsburgh 12 was truly a remarkable man. He gave of himself lovingly and every Saturday morning for over 12 months, (13 years ago) could be found cooking breakfast for the lil ones. He made Easter in 2010 extra special when each of them received a new bike from he and Barb. He made every holiday special for the children of Haiti and they still talk about him with smiles on their faces.
Barb, you have our deepest sympathies and those of the other forever families❤️ who also send their love.
Mark truly was an Angel among us!
And until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand🙏🏼
Eileen, Michael & Fekens
Barb,
There are so few words to offer. Please know that I am sending you love and praying you and your family will know deep peace and an extra measure of grace as you mourn the loss of Mark.
With deep sympathy,
Joyce Stewart
Barbara and family; We are so saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. When I think of Mark, I see a wonderfully animated smile. The same smile he gifted to his precious sons and grandchildren. We are sending our prayers and condolences to you from California. Mark will be missed.
Barb, Jennie and other Matera family members, please accept my sincere condolences. Mark was exceptional man and will be missed!
I had the pleasure to work with Mark at HJ Heinz / Starkist in Long Beach. He was one the warmest, kind, and funniest people I’ve known. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and will smile everytime I think of him.
The McQuade family loves the Matera family so much. Uncle Mark was always fun and hospitable to us, even as little kids! Our thoughts are with you.
Words cannot express the sorrow we have for the painful loss you are experiencing. Mark’s life had a deep impact on those of us who knew him. He demonstrated Christ’s love, that made us become better husbands and fathers.
From the first day of law school Mark was an enduring friend to me and Craig and then, of course, Barbara. I’ve never met anyone else with his understated sense of comedic timing and genuine love for others. A friend indeed.
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband. It is my prayer that you will find peace, comfort and strength as The Lord walks with you during this difficult time.
Mark’s smile could light up a room and he could always be counted on to loan his help to others. He pitched in working on homes in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina and joined in the SJN outreach to folks in Preston County, WV. We’ll miss you in so many ways, Mark!
I have great respect for Mark. He exemplified honesty and ethics in his work at Heinz, he was a pleasure to work with and I am very blessed to have known him. My sincere sympathy.
Mark was such a caring, loving person. I’m sure he is sharing his humor and great spirit with those in heaven. Our sincerest condolences.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers that you remember good times during these sad days.
Barbara, It was one of our greatest pleasures to meet you and Mark many years ago in Pittsburgh, and to keep up our friendship throughout all these years. You are two of the most wonderful people we have ever met.
Mark will be sorely missed. We loved his warmth and his great sense of humor.
Please accept our most sincere condolences and the prayers we will offer at this difficult time.
I knew Mark as a fellow board member on the Ambulance Authority. His insight, perspective and humor were greatly appreciated. He was a kind and compassionate man who will be sorely missed. I am sorry that I am out of town, and unable to pay my respects. You have my deepest sympathy.
Mark was such a stalwart of the church. I can’t imagine SJN without him. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
My sincere indolence to the entire Matera family. It has been a loving, caring experience to be part of your family for many years and know that you have been & will continue to be in our prayers