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Obituary
Michael Matteo, of Hazleton, passed away on January 28 at home. Born in Hazleton on January 7, 1946, he was the son of the late Daniel and Angeline (George) Matteo and graduated from Hazleton High School in 1963. He was drafted in the Navy before graduating from the Philadelphia Institute of Barbering in 1964.
Following in his beloved father’s footsteps, Michael owned and operated The Razor’s Edge Barbershop in Hazleton for nearly 60 years, a truly unique & classy old-school establishment. Working alongside his father in "the shop", he highly enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories, and socializing with his loyal clients, many of whom became lifelong, treasured friends. He genuinely adored his profession and time spent in the shop, often saying it really wasn’t a job because he loved what he did! He especially cherished using his skills to provide what he affectionately referred to as “sick calls” to give haircuts, and more importantly companionship, to the homebound and those in need.
Michael had an inherent sense of goodness and passion for life. He was a supportive listener, encouraging in his words, and always willing to lend a helping hand. This was evident in his numerous volunteer activities that helped to enhance individual lives and families.
He started his service at a young age, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and embodied the traits of loyalty, friendliness & kindness. He had also been an Assistant Cubmaster, responsible for organizing activities, and served in the Catholic Extension Program assisting at some of the poorest parishes in the country.
Michael was one of the original organizers and past President of the Hazleton Area Jaycee Buddy Program, a forerunner of the Big Brother/Big Sister Program and was inspired by one of their main principles, “teach the value of community service.” He was a board member of the Catholic Social Services Greater Hazleton Office and was honored to serve as a chairperson for their annual Century Club campaign. He was also an Eucharistic Minister and previously helped organize the St. John Bosco Church’s Election Day Pasta Dinner.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Michael was a member of the ‘Giorgio Family Reunion’ committee. He enjoyed cooking for others and was an excellent chef & baker. Michael took great pride in his perfectly cultivated summer garden, which he learned about from the best - his father. The garden featured a delicious assortment of vegetables and tomatoes, which he loved to share. He was known for his delectable Italian “viscout” cookies using only his beloved mother’s recipe, stuffed flounder that melted in your mouth, flavorful “Pastiche” (Easter Pie) made alongside his sister Carmella, famous peppers & eggs, epic Christmas Eve dinner parties featuring the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and ‘goodie tables’ with the most tasty creations elegantly displayed on beautifully decorated tables stretching across the entire length of the venue.
Michael was very generous, compassionate and hardworking. He was a devoted husband, father and ‘Pop Pop’. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his family & friends, visiting the beach, and sharing in a good meal. Through his actions, he lived and exemplified the virtue of love. He had the most distinct laugh that instantly brought happiness to everyone around. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his beloved wife Margie Matteo who passed away on November 25, 2024; sister Roseann DeSpirito; and sister and brother-in-law Carmella & Maurice Umbriac.
Surviving are his devoted children, son Michael-John Matteo and his wife Dr. Lindsay Newcomb, Katonah, NY; daughter Marcella and her husband Jordan Legath, Townsend, DE; cherished grandchildren Duncan & Wyatt Matteo and Lillian Legath; sister and brother-in-law Donna & Ron Hill, Dillsburg, PA; sister-in-law Theresa Spagnola, Hazleton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Donna & Robert Inverso, Greenacres, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for both Michael and Margie Matteo on Friday, February 7th, from 10am to 12:30pm at the Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America the place Michael & Margie met. -
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