Emilio V. Mattei

Emilio (Emil) Mattei, age 82, peacefully passed away on August 22, 2025. Born to the late Grace and Victor Mattei, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished member of his community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Angela Mattei; his children, Lisa Santoro (Marc), David Mattei (Lisa), and Tricia Dahl (David); his grandchildren, Julia Davidson (Michael), Kyle Mattei, Jake Mattei, Colby Dahl, and Carter Dahl (Madison); and his great-granddaughter, Madelyn Davidson. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Philip and Angelina Vetro; his sisters, Jeanette Musto and Marie Bruno; and his beloved grandson, Nicholas Santoro.

Emilio met Angie, the love of his life, at her father’s corner store just down the road from his childhood home when they were 15 years old. A proud Blue Devil, he played football for West Haven High School and graduated in 1961, marrying Angie the following year.

Throughout his life, Emilio and his wife dedicated himself to serving others. He spent many years volunteering at the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in West Haven, eventually with his entire family by his side. He and his family also dedicated hours of their time for the annual St John Vianney Church carnival. He also coached Woodbridge Little League baseball and devoted much of his adult life to the Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department, rising through the ranks to serve as Fire Chief. Each Christmas, with a twinkle in his eye, he brought joy to children and seniors alike as Santa Claus, riding the fire truck through town and spreading holiday cheer.

Along with his community service, Emilio worked as the owner of AAMCO Transmissions in West Haven and supported his wife’s restaurant, Angie’s, in Bethany. After selling both businesses, he continued sharing his warmth and larger-than-life personality as a Chair Car driver for Montowese Handivan and later as a Patient Care Assistant at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Family was at the heart of Emilio’s life. He and his wife treasured vacations with their children, grandchildren, and even the many “adopted” family members they welcomed over the years. They created lasting memories at their lake house on Lake Quonnipaug in North Guilford and later at the West Haven beach, where their grandchildren were frequent companions.

Emilio was instantly recognizable by his signature mustache and unforgettable smile. Known by many as “one of the good guys,” he touched countless lives with his compassion, kindness, strength, and generosity.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

There will be a memorial service held on September 11, 2025 at 11am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge, CT. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his wife at their home in Florida: 15970 Grassland Lane, #2813, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

Emilio will be remembered with love and gratitude for a life well lived