Michael J. Matto, 81, of 20 South Second Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022, at Bradford Manor.

Born February 1, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Michael J. and Maxine E. (Burrell) Matto. He was a 1960 graduate of Bradford High School.

In 1960 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as a radio specialist and participated with the Navy-Marine Corps joint program to bring back the MARS NNNORN. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

On July 27, 1968 in the 1st Presbyterian Church in Clarion, he married Jeanette C. (Corbett) Matto who survives.

After the service he was employed for six years at AirCo Speer and Owens Illinois. He then began working for Frank Johnston Landscaping, and after six years became self-employed owning Mike's Landscaping for over 20 years. He retired because of his exposure to pesticides from work.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. He was an accomplished gardener. He was known locally and regionally for raising giant pumpkins, his personal best was 1530 lbs., and tomatoes which typically weighed in at 4 to 5 lbs. each.

Mike was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as usher, the American Legion Post 108 for over 40 years, and the Bradford Amateur Radio Club. his call name was WA3gyl.

Mike was a past member and treasurer of Union Lodge 334 F&AM, and the Bradford Lodge 749 F&AM, member and Past Monroe of the Coudersport Consistory, a Past High Priest of the Bradford Royal Arch Chapter #260, Past Illustrious Master of the Council of Royal and Select Master Masons #43, Past Commander of the Trinity Commandry # 58 Knights Templar, Zem-Zem Temple of Erie, Past Monarch, Secretary and Treasurer for over 20 years of the Orak Gratto, McKean County Shrine, and Road Runners. Regionally he was a member of the Tuna Valley York Right College of North America, Order of the Purple Cross, KYCH of Pittsburgh Knights York Cross of Honor, and he was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

He had served as Secretary and board member of the Foster Township Sewer Authority, and volunteered for the Boy Scouts Soap Box Derby.

Surviving is his wife Jeanette of 53 years is one daughter, Katherine Elliott, of Mt. Jewett. two grandchildren, Bailee Elliott, and Kyle Elliott, two great-grandchildren, Ella Rose and Sara Marie, three sisters, Sandra (Michael) McDonald, of Bradford, Joan (Gil) Hoffman, of Bradford, and Susan (Donald) Langley, of Bradford, and one brother, Barry Matto, of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 11:00 am to Noon at the First Presbyterian Church, at Noon Masonic Services will be held with Bradford Lodge 749 F&AM, following the masonic service funeral services will be held with Rev. Rob Klouw, Co-Pastor officiating. Full Military Honors will be accorded immediately after the service outside of the church by members of the United States Air Force from McGuire Air Force Base and members of the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford. Burial will be in the Veterans section of Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to Shrine Hospital, or Care for Children, or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com