Obituary - Veronica Mattes

Veronica E. Mattes, a longtime resident of Happauge, Long Island, N.Y., died January 3, 2015.  She was 95.  Beloved aunt of Patricia Zaccardo Muise, Kathleen Zaccardo (Dennis) Watson, Gregory (Joy) Zaccardo; devoted great aunt of Matthew Zaccardo, Fiona Watson, and Natalie Zaccardo, Veronica was predeceased by her parents and by her sister, Marie Mattes Zaccardo.

Born and raised in New York, N.Y., she developed an early love of the history and culture that New York City had to offer, and lovingly devoted her life to imparting that appreciation to her nieces and nephew by frequently taking them to the various historical sites, architectural landmarks, museums, and cultural events throughout the City.  Her interest in early American history also lead her to take her young charges on “field trips” to such places as Old Sturbridge Village, Mass.; Mount Vernon, Va.; and Washington, D.C.

She was especially interested in her Irish background and, when she was 12 years of age, moved with her widowed mother and her sister to Ireland, her mother’s place of origin, where they lived among her Irish aunts, uncles, and cousins.   After spending a year in Ireland, she relocated with her mother and sister back to New York City.  Nevertheless, her year in Ireland made a lasting impression on her—she loved everything about the people and the country—and hence, as an adult, she looked forward to almost annual trips to Ireland to visit her beloved Irish relatives and friends.

She relished her status as the family historian, genealogist, and archivist, and, after researching the family crest, provided each family member with their very own copy.  From time to time, she regaled the family with her recollections of stories from the past of their Irish heritage—some of which dated back hundreds of years—that had been passed down to her from her mother and her Irish uncles.

Determined to obtain a college education, she worked her way through New York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1947.  Having begun her career at a small advertising firm in NYC, she spent the majority of her career—over 35 years—as the Comptroller of the Continental Envelope Company in New York, NY.  After her retirement in 1991, she enjoyed travelling and gardening at her home in Hauppauge for many years before entering Carillon Nursing Home, Huntington, NY in 2013, where she lived until her passing.

Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of The Branch Funeral Home Smithtown and Vigliante family.

Online guest book at www.branchfh.com