Donald Williams Mattice

On July 26, 2023, Donald Williams Mattice peacefully passed after a brief illness, joining his wife, Rose Ann, who entered the Lord’s kingdom ten months ago. Mr. Mattice is survived by his daughter Debra Mattice (Terry Harding) and sons John, Mathew, Timothy, his sister Gayle Kuehner (Kenneth), sisters-in-law Betty Hanifin Mattice and Josephine Cioffi Rowe. Donald is missed by three loving grandchildren: Taylor and Terence Harding and Marriana Mattice, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Mattice was predeceased by his parents, John Hiram and Marion Williams Mattice, and his brother, Robert John Mattice. A lifelong Gloversville resident, his family has a long lineage in the area, settling in the Schoharie region in 1710 as part of the Palatine migration and later moving to Wells, NY before settling on 14-16 East Pine Street with the establishment of Don’s grandfather’s business: Willis S. Williams and Son, grocery. Born December 14, 1932, Donald became an active boy scout member and spent many younger days exploring the great outdoors at his parents’ camp on Lily Lake where he learned to fish and hunt. Lovingly called ‘Uncle Morty’ by nieces and nephews, Don’s childhood nickname ‘Morty’ was coined by his father who joked that Don resembled the Edgar Bergen puppet named Mortimer Snerd, popular years ago. Donald graduated from Gloversville High School in 1950. A Korean War veteran, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for three years aboard the USS Charles H. Roan (D.D. 853), touring the Mediterranean Sea as a ship boiler operator. He began work at DECCA Records where he met Rose Ann Cioffi who would become his wife of 67 years. Under the GI Bill, Don attended electronics trade school in California before returning to Gloversville to raise a family. Soon thereafter, he began a 31-year career with WTEN TV in Albany, starting out as a technician at their Hales Mills and Helderberg Mountain transmitter locations, then becoming an audio operator and engineer for two evening news shows at Channel 10’s Albany studios. Mr. Mattice was known for his strong work ethic, taking a side job with Garlock Cadillac & Oldsmobile, where he was renowned for exceptional car detailing skills, then with Fashion Tanning glove mill. An avid collector, Donald’s interests included coins, beer cans, stamps, match books, vinyl records and other items. He demonstrated commendable carpentry skills and enjoyed being a die-hard NY Giants fan. He developed a wide range of friends, routinely meeting at Tegeo’s or Jack’s Place for coffee and reminiscence. He cherished his grandchildren, forming a special bond with granddaughter, Marriana, regularly sharing time watching and enjoying the latest episodes of ‘Sponge Bob Square Pants.’ In later life, Don and Rose Ann shared in the planning and preparation of good home-cooked meals, and became devoted patrons of Bowman’s market, Rauch Bakery, the weekly farmer’s market, Al’s Pizzeria and the Fulton Street Deli. During his last years, Donald’s routine would include a cup of Stewart’s coffee and a visit to Naif’s convenience store in Gloversville, where he faithfully bought daily lottery tickets bearing his USS Roan ship number. The family extends thanks to the Albany Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, Greene Meadows Nursing Facility in Catskill, and Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care in Gloversville, where Don was treated during his last months. Interment occurred at Ferndale Cemetery, with a graveside ceremony scheduled for August 5, 2023, at 2PM, to include the U.S. Navy Color Guard and a service conducted by Donald’s grandson, Reverend Terence Harding. Donations in Donald’s name would be gratefully accepted at Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 108 Steele Avenue Gloversville, New York 12078 (mvhcares.org). Online condolences may be shared at www.amicofuneralhome.com.

Donald Williams Mattice

December 14, 1932 - July 26, 2023