Obituary of Mario J Giammattei

COHOES- Mario J. Giammattei, 94, of Cohoes, passed away on Wednesday October 9, 2024, at Samaritan Hospital.

Mario (Mac) was born and raised in Cohoes and was the son of Gildo and Mazie Modeski Giammattei.Husband of the late Irene (O’Konski) Giammattei, 69 years, as she passed away in December 2022. Mac graduated from Cohoes High School Class of “48”. He continued his education at Veterans School and then on to RPI evenings. He began his career in Troy at the Troy Boiler works and then went on to Design Engineer for New York State for 20 years. Mac was in the Army during the Korean War. He was a proud 2^nd Deputy Commander of American Legion Post #381 in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was proud member of the Marconi Club (Italian) for years. He and his neighbor friend, Ronald Ghetti, (now deceased) were the founders of the Van Schaick Island Neighborhood Watch which is still going strong for nearly 20 years. Mac and Irene enjoyed their time at their summer camp in Sacandaga and then spent winters (18 years) in their home in Florida. He loved flying his own plane for several years before retiring. Irene was the love of his live since high school spending time traveling to Italy and areas he loved. His best friend Briget (dog now deceased) was always by their side. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Michael’s Church for over 70 years. Mac was predeceased by their baby daughter, Tina Giammattei. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Sala of Cohoes, brother-in-law Raymond (Terri) O’Konski of Lansingburg, niece Debbie (William) Welch, of Cohoes, nephews Joseph (Tricia) Sala of New Jersey and Keith O’Konski of Lansingburg, niece Doreen (David) Krakat of Colonie. He is also survived by great-nieces Brittany (Shanna) Welch, Michelle (Ryan) Coulter, also by their dear friend Rosemary Zandri of Cohoes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Church, Cohoes on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 10:00am. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends may call at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes on Sunday from 2 to 4pm. Those who wish to remember Mac, in a special way, can send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.