Harry Frank Mateas 1915 - 2004


Timing is everything, and you don't make it to 88 and a half years old without a spectacular sense of it. My Dad Harry died this past Saturday morning while I'm out here in Los Angeles visiting him and the rest of my family. It was unexpected, of course, but what a terrific life he had and what a trouper he was. Harry outlived all his brothers, lived longer than his father who passed just short of his 88th, and went out safe, well-cared for by my sister Karen and her life partner John, and at home, in his own bed, in his sleep. Can't ask for much more than that.

For a look at my Dad in his younger years, take a look at this photo of him along with his brothers Vic and Bob. Harry's the handsome fella on the left, and I imagine that everybody who knew him will remember his love of jokes and his general sense of fun, along with his incredible ability to do almost anything that needed to get done. If I had been a boy, I'd probably be a skilled carpenter, engineer, electrician, and plumber just from working with him. As it was I mostly just handed him the screwdrivers, but even that was an education.

Harry Frank Mateas. Father. Fisherman. All-Around Good Guy. Hard Worker. Hearty Laugh. Father of Lisa, Karen and Nancy. Grandfather to Megan.

Time for a long fishing break, Dad!