Dennis A. Matalavage

Dennis A. Matalavage, husband, father, doting pop-pop, 80 years of age, and a lifelong resident of Dutch Hill in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, as a guest of Greenwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr. He was surrounded by family and friends until his last moments.

Born Thursday, May 25, 1944 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Roland and Helen (Zutelis) Matalavage. Dennis was predeceased by his brother, Larry "The Beaver" Matalavage; and sister, Delores Cerami.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 55 years, Mildred E. "Joyce" (Morton) Matalavage; son, Dennis, and daughters Jennifer Larrea, wife of Paul, and Aimee Walter, wife of Kevin; and his grandchildren, Nathan, Jack, and Bryce.

A 1962 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Dennis served honorably in the United States Army with the 1st Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War where he received both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal. It was stateside at Fort Bragg where Dennis met an Army brat and California girl named Joyce over the intercom, courting her and eventually marrying her and bringing her back to Dutch Hill where she cherished being part of the Matalavage family. Dennis worked for Mack Trucks for many years, and retired from the former Lehigh Asphalt of Tamaqua, where he worked as a driver.

An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, Dennis also looked forward to bear hunting season each year and joining "The Soley's Gang" at their cabin in Promised Land. Dennis's love of fishing was nourished by his many summer afternoons spent at his parents' home in Lake Hauto. He was an ardent fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, enjoying the companionship of his cats, and he always had treats available for the neighborhood dogs. Dennis worshiped at St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, and was a member of the Holy Name Society.

An accomplished drummer, Dennis's band, the “E-Z Street” band, will be fondly remembered as the house band of the former AMVETs in Lansford, having played many weddings and social events there throughout the 1970's and early 1980's. Dennis previously played with the Mustangs, and later with Stardust.

Throughout his life, he showed a sincere interest in everyone he met, always remembering their families and stories. We take comfort in knowing that in heaven, his spirit of care and kindness lives on, still watching over us all.

Pending arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Interment with Military Honors will be bestowed at a private service at St. Peter & Paul R.C.C. Cemetery Owl Creek Tamaqua Pennsylvania 18252

Memorial in Dennis's name to Ruth Steinert Memorial S.P.C.A. 18 Wertz Drive Pine Grove Pennsylvania 17963

Online condolences or a fond memory of Dennis can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.