Bernard Mattus Obituary

Glens Falls, NY- Bernard “Bernie” Charles Mattus, 89, of Wilton, New York passed away at Glens Falls Hospital on July 4, 2025, following a brief illness, just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Bernie was born on September 7, 1935 in Gloversville, New York to Ann (née Prohaska) and Anthony Mattus.

He grew up in Johnstown, New York and then moved to Schenectady, where he attended high school at St. Joseph's Academy. He then entered the Society of the Divine Word Seminary in Conesus, NY.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the SVD Seminary in Techny, IL. He left the Seminary after nine years to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, Testing and Statistics at Fordham University in New York City. He was thrilled when his granddaughter, Campbell, followed in his footsteps and enrolled at Fordham as a member of the Class of 2026. He was very proud to have received a personal phone call from Fordham President (now Emeritus), Father Joseph McShane, to discuss Campbell’s acceptance. Bernie proudly displayed his Fordham pennant in his room at The Home of the Good Shepherd.

A resident of Saratoga County for the majority of his adult life, he spent much of his career working for the state at Wilton Developmental Center, serving as Supervisor of Vocational Rehabilitation. He established the first vocational rehab program for the developmentally disabled populace there.

Bernie’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, CB and amateur radio, photography, gardening, and metal detecting. After retiring, Bernie travelled both nationally and internationally, and became an accomplished nature photographer. He was also very proud of his Slovak heritage. For the past two and a half years, Bernie was a resident of The Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau, where he served as unofficial “mayor” and Bingo master. He was beloved by all who knew him, and maintained his quick wit until the very end.

Bernie is survived by three children; Mark Mattus of Wilton, Steven Mattus (Tracy Holleran) of Fairfield, Connecticut, Nancy Mattus of Wilton, and many cousins. He was also the proud grandfather to Hayden and Campbell Mattus of Fairfield, Connecticut. He was predeceased by four siblings, Sister Elizabeth Mattus R.S.M of Albany, Benedict Mattus of Michigan, Brother Joseph Mattus C.F.C. of Schenectady, and Patricia Mattus of Johnstown.

A Funeral Home Service will be conducted at 11am on Monday July 28, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, 2763 NY-29, Johnstown, NY 12095.