George F. Matta II

Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | May 12, 2021

George F. Matta II, 64, of White Oak, and formerly of Duquesne, died peacefully on May 10, 2021. He was born on October 2, 1956 to parents George Matta, deceased, and Florence (Kelmeckis) Matta, and is survived by his wife Catherine (Love), who met in high school and were married for 39 devoted years; his son, Bradley and wife Gretchen (Dimeling) Matta, and daughter Brittany and her husband Darin Kowalski. George was blessed to be known as “Pappy” to his 4 grandchildren; Kash, Hagen, Bannon, and Kinley - all of whom he adored and provided him with motivation during his battle with brain cancer, and his dog Oliver George also leaves behind his brother, Gary Matta, and brother-in-law, George Dillinger, and his wife Cindy (Pazehoski) Dillinger and nieces and nephews; Logan (Dillinger) and Keith Haselhoff, Tyler and Liz (Heiles) Dillinger, Langley (Matta) and Tyler Shope, Austin Matta and Jaquan Davidson.

George lived a full life; dedicated to supporting his family, helping his friends, and committed to always trying to better the “Mon Valley” - the community he was so proud to have lived in throughout his entire life. His journey in life began in the City of Duquesne, from being born here, one of his proudest political accomplishments, was to be elected as Mayor of Duquesne from (1993-1999). Indeed, being called “Mayor” was a badge of honor as he was a graduate of Duquesne High School (1974) and was elected as City Controller (1989-1993). George obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Penn State University (1978), and Masters in Business Industrial Relations from St. Francis College (1983).

George leaves this world after making countless relationships from starting his professional career as Manager of Benefits and Compensation for PPG Industries (1980-1985), owning retail flower shops (Ann’s and Matta’s) in the Mon Valley (1984-1999), being elected as the Clerk of Courts in Allegheny County (2000-2008), Economic Development Liaison from Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Super Computer (2008-2009), serving as Director of Business Development and Community Relations from the inception of the River’s Casino (2009-2012), then Managing Director of Institutional Services for Columbus Macro.

His civic and community involvement was immeasurable and illustrated by his deep concern and commitment for serving the public in numerous capacities geared toward the economic improvement and development of the region: Pittsburgh Economic and Industrial Development Corporation Committee; Member of the Mon-Fayette/Mon-Valley Expressway for Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Member of the Board for the Regional Industrial Development Corporation for the Duquesne-McKeesport Millsite; Member of Allegheny County Retirement System; Member of the Steel Valley Authority Citizens Advisory Board; Board Member for the Duquesne-West Mifflin Chamber of Commerce; Member of Duquesne Redevelopment Authority; Member of Duquesne Planning Commission; Board Member of White Oak Zoning Commission; Chairman of Duquesne Sanitation Authority; Charter Member of the Mon-Valley 911 Dispatch System; and Duquesne Business Advisory System.

George’s concern for the safety and well-being of others encouraged him to be involved as a member of Lifespan Board of Directors; Board Member of Animal Friends of Pittsburgh; Board Member Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank; Board Member of Womansplace of Western Pennsylvania; Director for the McKeesport Area Rescue System; Member of Duquesne-West Mifflin Knights of Columbus. George also served as the Chairman of Duquesne Democratic Committee; Chairman of the White Oak Democratic Committee, Committeeman to the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee, and Member of the (IACREOT) International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers. George was proud of his Slovak heritage and was honored to follow in his father’s footsteps, serving as the National Treasurer for the First Catholic Slovak Union (JEDNOTA). Most distinctly, one of George’s most passionate charitable endeavors was starting the Jodie Matta-Dillinger Cancer Foundation, which serves to help families of cancer patients within the Mon Valley, in honor of his late sister Jodie (Matta) Dillinger, who he is now reunited with in heaven.

George has positively touched so many in trying to help and better the lives of others, and his memory will forever be celebrated, beginning with visitation at JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, May 12 from 4:00-8:00p.m., and Thursday, May 13, from 12:00-8 p.m. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Holy Trinity Worship Site in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Please meet at the church. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, George and his family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the “JMD Foundation”, https://www.jmdf.net/, at 1527 California Avenue, White Oak, Pennsylvania 15131.

Originally published May 12, 2021.

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