Joseph J. Matara “Joe the Candy Man”, a North End candy manufacturer, died Thursday at the Lahey Clinic. He was 77.
Raised in Boston’s North End and West End, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and the late Elizabeth (Vatrella) Matara. This year marked the 50 anniversary of the founding of Joe’s business, Dairy Fresh Candies, on Salem St. in the North End. Joe founded the company and operated it until his retirement a few years ago. It is now conducted by his nephew. Joe was an active member of the Boston business community and served as president of the Haymarket Pushcart Association. Joe also enjoyed the company of his many friends in the Mercury Bowling Club.
Joe was the beloved husband of Frances (DiMare) with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Joseph L. Matara of Somerville, Elizabeth Matara Flynn and her husband John of Melrose, Cathy A. McCarron and her husband Robert of Melrose, Susan Matara Rufo and her husband John of Wilmington. He was cherished grandfather to Joseph, Alyssa, Brianna, Matara, Jackson, J.R., and Nicholas. He was a dear brother to the late John Matara.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Monday morning at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass offered in St. Joseph Church in Boston's West End at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
Visiting hours at the funeral home, Sunday 3 - 8.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.