Joseph Fayard Mattina

Joseph Fayard Mattina, born November 28th, 1920, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 25th, 2015. He is preceded in death by parents, Joseph Mattina, Sr. and Sidonia Fayard Mattina; wife of 50 years, Leora Burch Mattina; brother, Dalton Mattina. He is survived by his brother, Roy Mattina, Sr.; children, Larry Mattina, Arlene Mattina Broussard, Ronnie Mattina, Deborah Mattina Simon and Mary Beth Mattina Ragusa; grandchildren, Michelle Mattina McCormick, Tracey Mattina, Jane Ann Mattina, Kellie Broussard Whittemore, David Broussard, Leslie Broussard Doyle, Kim Mattina Hansen, Bridgette Mattina, Joseph Michael Mattina and Chad Ragusa; ten great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter. Joe was a lifelong resident of Biloxi, MS, and a graduate of Biloxi High School. He was born and raised on Point Caddy and grew up as part of the “Possum Neck Kids.” Joe excelled in basketball, football and track. He was part of the 1939 State Basketball Championship, part of the Big 8 Championship football team, and held several track records for many years at Biloxi High School. He carried on with his love of sports by playing softball at the V.A. softball park for many years and was known lovingly by the fans as “Pop-Up Joe.” He was an avid hunter for many years and a charter member of Bluff Creek Hunting Club, better known as “The Green Shack.” He was a lifetime member of the VFW and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Joe retired from the U.S. Post Office after 34 years of service and was awarded one of three 50-year surviving retirees in 2007. Joe never met a stranger. Being a mail carrier for so many years, everyone came to know him and looked forward to seeing him and enjoying his outgoing personality. He will be cherished and sadly missed by his large loving family and many friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.