Antonio Mattos Jr.

Antonio “Tony” Mattos Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Fremont, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1936, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Antonio and Esperança Mattos.

In 1970, Tony married the love of his life, Linda, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his devoted wife; his son, Anthony Mattos (Sindy); his daughter, Melissa De Unamuno (Michael); his brothers, John and Armando; and six beloved grandchildren: Marisela, Melina, Carlo, Christian, Miranda, and Miguel. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Osvaldo and Oscar; and his sisters, Esperança, Lourdes, and Elza.

Tony served in the Brazilian Air Force as an airplane mechanic before immigrating to California in 1959. He quickly found employment as a machine operator for Inland Container in Newark and worked there until his retirement in 1998.

A lifelong accomplished athlete and sports enthusiast, Tony enjoyed table tennis, horseshoes, bowling, soccer, football, tennis, and handball. Among his many achievements were bowling a perfect 300 game at Cloverleaf Bowl and trying out for the San Diego Chargers as a kicker. In retirement, he found great joy in coaching youth table tennis and sharing his love for the sport with the community.

Tony lived by the motto, “I work to live, not live to work,” embracing life with joy and a playful spirit. A devoted craps player, he always kept a pair of dice in his pocket and loved sharing laughs through his tricks and silly jokes. In every way, Tony truly lived, not just worked, his way through life.

Tony will be remembered for his great sense of humor, boundless energy, and larger than life personality. He was a shining light in the lives of his family and friends and will be deeply missed.