Pop

Major Gary Andrew Mattes, Sr., 66, of Pensacola, FL passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Born in Ridley Park, PA, on June 10, 1948, Gary was a 1966 graduate of Springfield High School where he met his wife Kathleen Doherty. They were married on August 23, 1969, and had two children, Kimberly and Gary Jr. After graduating from Widener University, Gary joined the United States Marine Corps in 1973. He was commissioned as a naval aviator in the summer of 1974. Gary's career as a UH1N helicopter pilot included the following duty stations: MCAS New River, MCAS Kaneohe, Camp LeJeune, and NAS Whiting Field. Following his retirement as a decorated Marine in 1992, Gary began a second career as a high school teacher and coach, touching lives at Woodham and Washington High Schools. He retired from teaching in 2010. Gary was an avid golfer and enjoyed working part time at Cypress Lakes Golf Course. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Yacht Club Marines. His Marine Corps family consists of lifelong friends who meant the world to him. To them he would say, "Semper Fi Marines." Gary is remembered as a loving, dedicated husband and father by his wife and children. He was "Pop-Pop" to four beautiful grandchildren whom he adored.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Helen Mattes and his mother-in-law, Nancy Doherty.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Kathleen; children, Kimberly and Tremayne Davis, Gary and Emily Mattes; grandchildren, Alex and Samantha Davis, Zoey and Daxton Mattes; brother, Roy (Sandy) Mattes; sister, Carol (Robert) Van Horn; in-laws, John (Mary) Doherty, Michael Doherty, and Patricia Thompson; and his "lap dog" Doolin.