John Thomas Mattioli

John Thomas Mattioli, born October 23, 1940, passed away January 8, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones. John was born in Milwaukee, and attended school at 38th Street Elementary and later Washington High School. He enjoyed his youth in the city, often attending Friday night dances. He was a phenomenal dancer, and could make any partner look like a dancing queen. He sold newspapers and worked as a soda jerk at his father’s pharmacy, Mattioli Drug Store, located at 35th and National. John married his wife, Caryl, on May 6, 1961, at Faith Lutheran Church. John served in the United States Army from 1959-1961. He spent time overseas in Germany and France. John grew his family and moved to East Troy in 1977 where both his children, Carey and John Jr., graduated from East Troy High School. John worked at Briggs & Stratton for 29 years, starting as an ironer pourer and casting machine operator, and worked his way through management before retiring in 1992. John was an avid angler and loved to travel the country exploring the great outdoors, one of his most favorite trips was to Alaska. He had a love for western films, especially those starring John Wayne, and enjoyed travels to places such as South Dakota, Colorado, Arizona, and California to enjoy the history of the west. John and Caryl bought a home after retiring in 1992 in Minocqua, where he lived his days fishing with his adoring family on the Tomahawk River and Lake Kawaguesaga. His home was full of food and laughter, and a little Schnauzer or two. John was a great chef that passed on many homemade Italian recipes and grilling techniques to his family. Words would not do justice to the man John was. John had a way of making everyone feel as if they belonged, whether you were family or a stranger off the street. He made friends wherever he went with people from all walks of life, and had an infectious personality that made you want to sit around to chat for a while. He was a family man, even making most of his friendships more like family. John will be greatly missed for his daily phone calls to his family and friends, and his loving voicemails saying “Hey it’s Papa/Grandpa/John…. call me back.” John was a loving husband to Caryl Mattioli (Hamilton), father to Carey (Rahn) Smith, John Thomas Mattioli Jr., loving grandfather of Ryahn (Megan) Smith, Zachary (Jennifer) Smith, Cailee (Ryan) Smith Wagner, loving great grandfather of Irleyn, Ryndi, Lilyana, and Rhett Smith, and loving brother to James (Patricia) Mattioli. John was preceded in death by his parents Marcus Mattioli and Cathine Tarnowski, and siblings Joseph Mattioli, Jerry Mattioli, and Jelaine Mikulic, and his son John Mattioli Jr. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring of 2024 and ceremony at Good Hope Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.