James Virgil De Mattei

James Virgil De Mattei, age 82, long-time resident of Travelers Rest, and recently of Anderson, died at home in the early morning on June 12, 2006. Born on March 15, 1924 to the late Mr. James De Mattei and Virginia Fusco De Mattei of Brooklyn, New York. Mr. De Mattei was twice married, first to Gloria Cipollone De Mattei deceased, of which union there are three children, Virginia De Mattei Raffa, James Virgil De Mattei, Jr., and Theresa De Mattei Sidote. Survivors include his wife of the home, Veronica Diane Gainey De Mattei, of which union there is a son, John Carroll De Mattei. Surviving in addition to his wife and children are brother Anthony De Mattei of Newtown, CT; sisters Lucille De Mattei of Groton, MA; Teresa De Mattei Johnson of Clinton, MA; granddaughter Ariana Rose De Mattei age 6; daughter-in-law Nancy De Mattei; sons-in-law Jeffery Raffa, and John Sidote; and dear friend and caregiver Mr. Kimmie Wheaton of Pendleton. Mr. De Mattei attended officer training at East Tennessee State University, Pratt Institute where he was awarded a BS in Industrial Engineering, and conducted graduate studies in Industrial Management at New York University. A World War II veteran, he served in the United States Army Air Corp as pilot of a B-25 Mitchell in the China-Burma-India theatre. His engineering career included positions with Hudson Wire, Dresser Industries, ITT, ITE, and T & S Brass. From 1982 until 2003 he was self-employed with Atlanta Management Consultants Incorporated. He was also a long-standing member of several Professional Engineering Organizations. Mr. De Mattei was active in the community, serving as a member, president, and Paul Harris Fellow of the Foothills Rotary Club, he was also an active member of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association South Carolina Basha.
The family will receive friends from 12:45 pm until 1:45 pm at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest, 6710 White Horse Road, Greenville. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel. A committal service will follow at a later date with burial in the Gainey Family Cemetery in Cairo, GA.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations be made to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, or Saint Mary?s of the Angels Catholic Church, 1821 White Street, Anderson, SC 29622.