Kenosha.com Tribute: Don Matera

A family man who was passionate about his favorite sports teams, Kenosha native Don Matera, 77, passed away unexpectedly at his Kenosha residence on May 31.

Matera is the father of Kenosha’s John Matera, the Tremper High School Athletic Director and Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame member.

A visitation and service — concluding with full military honors — will be held at 10 a.m. Friday (June 9) at Proko Funeral Home. Private entombment in All Saints Mausoleum will follow.

Born on June 9, 1945, Matera’s funeral arrives on what would’ve been his 78th birthday. He was the son of Arthur and Loretta (Stella) Matera.

The United States Navy veteran served from Aug. 7, 1968 until he was honorably discharged on June 30, 1972. Matera. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduate was employed as a teacher early in his career. Later, he worked at Supervalu which later became Festival Foods. He supervised many different departments over the years until his retirement.

In addition to spending time with his family, Don enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and his son John’s Tremper baseball team.

Don truly loved life. His bright eyes, unforgettable smile, and witty humor will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his two children: John (Wendy) Matera of Pleasant Prairie and Bryan (Kelly) Matera of Pine Island, Minn.; three grandchildren, Max and Nicolas Matera, and Rylee Pearson; and his sister, Janice (Scott) Oldach. He is further survived by many family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Matera; brother, Alan Matera; and his very special aunt and uncle, Rose and Louis Sacco.