Richard Mattis
September 16, 1928 — April 20, 2025
Richard Gordon Mattis, 96, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at his home, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born in Stamford on September 16, 1928, to Adolph and Esther (Burke) Mattis. He was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine and his three loving daughters: Bonnie Littlefield, Diane Mattis Mazzone and Donna Mattis Simmons, along with his brothers Donald and Robert.
He is survived by his grandsons; Steven Tyler and husband Michael Passe, Jason Coperine, Mathew Simmons, and his granddaughter Angel Simmons, great-grandchildren, Alden, Preston and Layla. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, along with members of the Mazza and Tiano families.
Richard “Smiles” was a life-long resident of Stamford. He loved telling stories about growing up in what was then the rural Springdale neighborhood. This is where he and his brothers would develop their sturdy frames, dedicated work ethic and keen sense of right and wrong.
Richard suffered a tragic fall from a tree that left him near death at an early age. He credited his mother’s home cooking and loving care for saving his life. And while the injury would preclude him from participating in many of life’s events, it blessed him with a sense of gratitude throughout his years.
Upon graduation from Stamford High School, he joined Machlett Laboratories across from the family home on his beloved Ryan St. Richard’s long career at Machlett’s included managing “his” warehouse with the commitment and attention to detail he’d apply to any task. Always industrious, Richard would find his ‘encore’ career at the Italian Center greeting family and friends at the fitness center entrance with his warm and engaging smile.
He was known as a humble man always caring and forever grateful. Among Richard’s favorite things in life, he loved watching Westerns with a couple of hot dogs topped with sauerkraut, relish and onions. Fishing on Long Island sound was his favorite hobby and eating ice cream his favorite sweet.
The family would like to thank his niece Lorraine, nephew Robbie and roommate Steve for stepping-in after the untimely passing of Bonnie, assuring Richard could live out his days at home in a healthy and loving way.
Father Nicholas Pavia will preside over a graveside service to be held on Friday May 23 at 11 am at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. All are welcome to join the family for lunch immediately following at Zody’s 19th Hole. There will be no calling hours. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home is honored to assist the Mattis Family with the arrangements.
To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
He is survived by his grandsons; Steven Tyler and husband Michael Passe, Jason Coperine, Mathew Simmons, and his granddaughter Angel Simmons, great-grandchildren, Alden, Preston and Layla. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, along with members of the Mazza and Tiano families.
Richard “Smiles” was a life-long resident of Stamford. He loved telling stories about growing up in what was then the rural Springdale neighborhood. This is where he and his brothers would develop their sturdy frames, dedicated work ethic and keen sense of right and wrong.
Richard suffered a tragic fall from a tree that left him near death at an early age. He credited his mother’s home cooking and loving care for saving his life. And while the injury would preclude him from participating in many of life’s events, it blessed him with a sense of gratitude throughout his years.
Upon graduation from Stamford High School, he joined Machlett Laboratories across from the family home on his beloved Ryan St. Richard’s long career at Machlett’s included managing “his” warehouse with the commitment and attention to detail he’d apply to any task. Always industrious, Richard would find his ‘encore’ career at the Italian Center greeting family and friends at the fitness center entrance with his warm and engaging smile.
He was known as a humble man always caring and forever grateful. Among Richard’s favorite things in life, he loved watching Westerns with a couple of hot dogs topped with sauerkraut, relish and onions. Fishing on Long Island sound was his favorite hobby and eating ice cream his favorite sweet.
The family would like to thank his niece Lorraine, nephew Robbie and roommate Steve for stepping-in after the untimely passing of Bonnie, assuring Richard could live out his days at home in a healthy and loving way.
Father Nicholas Pavia will preside over a graveside service to be held on Friday May 23 at 11 am at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. All are welcome to join the family for lunch immediately following at Zody’s 19th Hole. There will be no calling hours. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home is honored to assist the Mattis Family with the arrangements.
To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
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