THOMAS J. MATTINGLY

Aug. 18, 1938 - June 14, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Thomas James Mattingly, Clearwater, FL, passed away on Sunday, June 14th, at Bay Pines Hospice in Bay Pines, Florida, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents, James R. Mattingly and Mary Frances Wright.

He is survived by a sister, Marilyn Sibley (Lee) of South Bend; a brother, Mike Mattingly (Jacki) of Indianapolis; nieces, Hope Vollmer (Johnny) of South Bend, Jennifer Sibley of Washington State, Lisa Benko (Andrew) of Dubuque, IA, Rachel Seavey (Sam) of Lexington, KY; and a nephew, Kirk Mattingly of Noblesville, IN; great-nieces, Sarah and Lindsay Benko, Skylar Seavey; and a great-nephew, Avery Mattingly.

Tom graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1956, and attended both Ball State University and New Mexico State.

Tom proudly served his country in the Army from 1960-1963, a Vietnam era veteran. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked successfully in sales for his entire career. Tom was very active in the cancer support group at Bay Pines VA hospital in Florida. His faith and positive attitude were an inspiration and encouragement to the people he met there. He was a kind and generous friend to everyone he met. Tom was also very proud of his sobriety, maintaining an active presence in his local AA chapter in Florida. He helped many others to achieve and maintain a similar sobriety through his work and presence there.

Tom loved life, had a dynamic sense of humor, gregarious personality. He was a joyful and kind spirit who loved his family and friends. He loved to travel, and made scores of lifelong friends along the way as a result. Tom's family sends a special thank you to the incredible staff at Bay Pines VA Hospice. Their loving care for both Tom and his family embodied the true philosophy of Hospice compassion. We will always be grateful for their kindness. And to Suzette DiSturco, his loyal and steadfast friend and neighbor, we send our love and thanks. Her care and love will remain in our hearts always.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 19th at Clay United Methodist Church on Ironwood Drive in South Bend. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. A private burial service will be held at Highland Cemetery in South Bend. Donations in Tom's memory may be made in care of the Hospice Unit at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, FL 33744.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 18, 2009.

02/09/2023 EJS