John Lugo Matterese, 89, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Utica on March 3, 1929, the son of Nicholas and Angela (Zito) Matterese. He was educated in the Utica City Schools. In 1946 John did what many young men at that time were doing and enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Adirondack. In his later years John enjoyed attending reunions with his fellow seamen. From a young age John hoped to be a firefighter. In 1960 he was appointed to the Utica City Fire Department. In 1973 he was recognized for all of his hard work and his dedication to the citizens of his beloved city by being honored with rank of Lieutenant. John retired from the fire department in 1988. On October 22, 1960, at St. Mary’s Church in Middleville, John was united in marriage to Tiodosia (Thea) Pagliarulo. They shared nearly 57 years in loving devotion to one another. John is predeceased by his wife Thea. He is survived by his 5 children, Angela Contento and husband, Timothy, of Homer, Nicholas Matterese, of Brooklyn, Gina Matterese, of Saratoga Springs, Vito Matterese and wife Traci, of Ballston Lake, and Thea Siracuse and husband, Joseph, of Malta; six cherished grandchildren, Giovanna Contento, Luke, Ryan, and Evan Matterese, and Peter and Nicolas Siracuse; a sister, Mary Tobin and husband Joseph, of New Hartford; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends. John found joy being in the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, mushrooming, hiking, and taking long walks in the woods collecting whatever green was in season. John loved to share his knowledge and love of nature with his children, friends, and anyone interested in the same subjects. He was always teaching about the things that he felt passionate about. John was a self taught log cabin builder. His children have fond memories of camping out in his rustic cabin in the woods and making treats on the fire. He was an avid reader on almost any subject and gleaned a great deal of knowledge through his books, magazines and newspapers. This came in very handy when he was watching his favorite television show, Jeopardy. John was a member of many organizations that supported his convictions . He was a member of The Greenfield Fish and Game Club, The Arbor Day Foundation, The National Parkinson’s Foundation, The American Legion, The Association of Police and Fire Retirees of Upstate New York, and the Sons of Italy. John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff of The Hospice and Palliative Care unit here in Oneida County. Their kindness, support, and tireless compassion will be remembered by his grateful family. A note of thanks to his primary care provider, Judith Schipper. A very special thank you to Jessica for her care of dad and her cheery disposition that helped us all through the last couple of years. A Memorial Mass for John will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018, at 10:00am at St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral home, 408 Herkimer Road, N. Utica, are Sunday, December 16, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.