1937 - 2026
E. Joseph "Papa Joe" Matt
Johns Creek, GA - E. Joseph "Papa Joe" Matt, beloved father of Emilio (Susan) Matt and Anthony (Monique) Matt, and cherished grandfather of Diana Matt, passed away on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the age of 88.
He was preceded in death in 2002 by both his wife of thirty-eight years, Diane D. Matt (née Alagna), and his younger brother, Bernard B. "Bernie" Matt of Charleston, SC.
Born in Chicago, Illinois in May 1937, he spent his High School and College years in Charleston, SC, graduating from the University of South Carolina. After college, he returned to Chicago and made his professional career with Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), where he worked for thirty-three years as a Safety and Security Manager. After retiring, he and Diane moved to Gilbert, Arizona, where they enjoyed retirement together. In 2020, Joe moved to Georgia to be close to his sons and their families, which brought him deep joy and connection with family. During his six years in Georgia, he fostered deep and everlasting friendships with many neighbors and club members.
A celebration of life Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, on Thursday, February 5, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097 followed by a luncheon at Noon for the family and friends, at St. Ives Country Club, 1 St. Ives Country Club Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097.
Final interment will be with his beloved Diane, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery outside of Chicago, IL.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family may donate to Joe's beloved charities in his name - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Wounded Warrior Foundation and/or Mount Pisgah Christian School (in Johns Creek, Georgia).
Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.
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Debra McWherter
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In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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