Obituary of Richard John DiMatteo

Richard John DiMatteo, 82, of Amsterdam passed away September 20, 2019 with his loving family by his side at Albany Medical Center. He was born in Amsterdam on September 11, 1937 and was the son of the late Victor and Lena (Discenza) DiMatteo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Angelina (Carbone) DiMatteo of Amsterdam whom he married on July 16, 1967, a daughter Angela P. (Jacob Edwards) DiMatteo of Middle Grove, and two sons Richard A. (Tara Knapp) DiMatteo of Amsterdam, and Michael J. (Teresa Cintron) DiMatteo of Amsterdam.  He was also survived by his loving grandchildren Adrianna and Cody Watrobski, and Kiarra and Jaeden Edwards.

Besides his parents, Richard is predeceased by a brother Victor DiMatteo Jr., and sisters Joyce Bownes, Antoinette Seeley, and Barbara Jean Burkland, and he is survived by his sisters, Delores Bielecki, and Diane Burkland.

During his lifetime he was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School, and began his career in automotive repair working for Brody Young Automotive Service.  He went on to own and run his own automotive gas and repair shop, Dick’s American in Fonda, NY.  While running his business, he also worked as a Captain of security for Burns Security where he met a number of notable celebrities.  Richard sold his business and began a new career working for the State of New York at the NYS Department of Health.  Later he worked for a number of local businesses, until he acquired a position as production supervisor at Coleco Industries, Inc. of Amsterdam, where he happily worked for the longest portion of his life until their closure.  For the last decade of his career, he worked as a Claims Representative for New York Central Mutual Insurance at their branch office in Amsterdam.

He had a very special love for all of the dogs he shared his life with, and was survived by his German Shepherd “Mikey”. Richard was an avid gardener throughout his life, and his garden and the delicious tomatoes he grew were the pride of the family.  He also enjoyed coin collecting, and spending time with his family. He served as past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 209, and headed its degree team. He was also a member of Monsignor William A. Browne Assembly, and a member of the Sons of Italy, in Amsterdam.  Richard was faithful catholic, and a lifelong communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church, and then Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam, where he served both as a lector.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger Family Funeral Home,  171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 on Thursday September 26, 2019 from 4 to 7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 27, 2019 at 11:15 AM at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 with Rev. Fr. Lawrence J. Decker as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the family plot of the St. Michael’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to: Knights of Columbus, Council 209, Amsterdam, NY.