Thomas Matta Obituary

Thomas N. Matta Restaurant Owner/Operator Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Thomas Natividad Matta, of Visalia went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 29, 2012. He was 79 years old and was surrounded by his family. Thomas was born to Sebastian and Margarita Matta on December 15, 1932 in Saragosa, Texas. He and his family moved to Visalia in 1942 when he was 10 years old. He attended Carol Burnett, Webster, Sierra Vista Schools and Visalia High School. When his family moved to Levis Street now known as Locust Street, he met the love of his life at the age of 12 years old, Margarita Cabrera. They were married on April 18, 1950. Thomas was a very hard worker and provided well for his family. He was a farm laborer for many years with Sutton Farms and Glenn L. Pratt Farms. He enjoyed farming very much. Tom then worked as a butcher at Houston Ave Market before he and Margarita opened their own store, Low Price Market. He moved his family to Mesa, Arizona to help his brother, Manuel Matta, when he became ill. He learned the restaurant business and cooking from Manuel and then returned to Visalia, California in 1971 and opened his own restaurant, Matta's Restaurant. Tom and Margarita had their restaurant for 23 years before retiring on April 29, 1994. Thomas enjoyed entertaining, playing music and singing with his brothers, going to the dances with his wife and other family members, gardening, golfing and traveling around the state playing many different golf courses and was a member of the golfing club, M.A.G.A. Then riding his Gold Wing motorcycle became his new passion. He loved to just ride, feel the wind and see different places. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margarita Matta and their 3 children. His two sons, Robert and Rose Matta of Woodlake, and their children, Julia Jimenez, Sara and Adam Davis, Jaklin, Katelyn and Matlyn Matta. David and Irma Matta of Visalia, and their children, Michelle, David Jr., Isaac, Priscilla and Sonya. His daughter, Debbie and Chad Nelsen of Visalia and their children, Heather, Jill and Jordan and 11 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Mary Matta of Visalia and Vera Matta Blancarte of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sebastian and Margarita Matta, one son Albert Matta of Visalia, four brothers, Manuel Matta of Mesa, Arizona, Ben Matta, Pecos, Texas, and Charles and Billy Matta of Visalia. One sister, Lila Rodriguez of Visalia. He will forever be remembered for his generous and kind heart and always willing to help. A rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, December 5th 2012 at 6:00 pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel and a celebration Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church on Thursday, December 6th 2012 at 9:30 am. Private burial. Condolences may be e-mailed to [email protected]