Joseph DeMattia, with family by his side, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Royal Plaza Retirement Center in Lewiston. He was 93.
Joe was born in Potlatch on Aug. 10, 1925, the youngest of three children. His parents, Louis and Maria Santomaso DeMattia, had immigrated from Italy through Ellis Island during World War I. Joe grew up during the Depression, which was the “golden age of radio,” and he was fascinated by the technology. As a teen he set up shop in his family’s basement to fix people’s radios, and built himself a ham radio, interests that would lay the foundation for his future. He attended Potlatch High School and worked summers for the U.S. Forest Service in Clarkia, before following his brother into military service. In 1943, at age 17, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy Coast Guard Division, and served three years as a signalman in the Pacific Theater, including Pearl Harbor.
After returning home, the G.I. Bill allowed Joe to be one of the first in his family to attend college, and he traveled by train to Angola, Ind., where he studied electronics/radio engineering at Tri-State College. He always emphasized the value of education. In 1950, Potlatch Forests Inc. (PFI) started up a new pulp and paper mill in Lewiston, and Joe was hired to work in the electrical shop. He ultimately became chief electrician for the mill, where he worked until his retirement in 1986.
In Lewiston, he met Dorothy Lemon Munson, and they wed in April 1954. They were married nearly 50 years, until her passing in December 2003.
Joe was innately curious, and always interested in reading and learning. His fascination with technology was lifelong, and his grandkids remember him having one of the first home computers on the market. He loved the outdoors, and time spent boating on the Snake River and lakes in the region created lasting family memories. He loved being in the woods and the camaraderie of hunting/camping trips. Additional interests throughout his life included drawing/painting, photography, health, finance, golf, building and travel. A highlight was a trip to Italy he took with his brother in 1989 to trace their ancestry.
He will be remembered for his good nature, sharp mind, quick wit and compassionate spirit. Always looking to help anyone he thought was in need, he was amazingly generous. He was a friend to all, and he doted on his family; always interested and encouraging, he was happiest when in their company.
Joe is survived by stepchildren Douglas Munson (Jolanda) of Sequim, Wash., and Linda Munson Covey (Larry) of Carefree, Ariz.; six grandchildren: Tammy Bringle (Brent) of Tacoma, Jeri Waide Hagen (David) of Clarkston, Sheree Herrmann (Rob) of Cleveland, Jon Waide (Pam) of Menifee, Calif., Joelle Mancuso (Joe) of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Stephen Munson (Kristine) of Maple Valley, Wash.; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sister Louisa Beard; and brother Nicholas DeMattia.
The family will hold a private memorial, and suggest donations in Joe’s memory be made to the American Legion’s Scholarship program: American Legion Post 13, P.O. Box 683, Lewiston, ID 83501.
“To all my friends and relatives, God bless” — Joe.
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