Harry "Tony" Mataya

Harry Anthony “Tony” Mataya was the first child born on July 28, 193, in Springfield, Illinois, to his parents, Eunice Fagg and Anthony Mataya. Tony shared his childhood with his younger brother, Michael. Tony did not take the responsibility of being the oldest lightly. He also helped care for his grandmother. Michael remembers when the family dog, Comma died. Tony dug up the rose garden to bury him. Boy, was he in big trouble!

Tony matriculated through the Springfield, Illinois Public School system and graduated from Feitshans High School, Right after high school, Tony enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country from 1957-59. He received numerous awards and certifications for his excellence in service. Tony continued to serve far beyond the Army, receiving recognition from Heritage Christian Center’s Prison Ministry and as a volunteer at the Colorado State Veteran Nursing Home.

Tony loved love. It was his desire to marry and have children. He met and married his first wife, Marilyn and together they had three beautiful children, Debra, Toni, and Randall. When the marriage dissolved, Tony remained faithful to his children and was a devoted father. He and his second wife, Mona, shared several years together but unfortunately, that marriage dissolved. Never losing hope, Tony met and married Mikelle Bryant. She was the love his heart longed for. They shared 25 years of a spiritual based relationship. Tony and Mikelle pursued baptism together to seal the faith-based aspect of an undying love. Their spiritual connection was the source of strength and unity. God was always at the forefront of their marriage.

Tony’s love extended to his step-daughter, Christina, and her children, Natalia Raquel, Shawn, and Veronica. Affectionately called “The Best”, they loved when their granddad picked them up from school and helped with homework, cooked with them, and told them they amazing stories of this life. Each of them had a special relationship with him and they all loved him beyond words.

By profession, Tony was a salesman for US West Communications. He had the gift of the gab and exceeded everyone’s expectations. In 1998, he won a Dodge Durango and an all-expense paid trip to Cancun, Mexico. When US West became Century Link, Tony went to work in the Aurora Public School district as lead custodian. Tony’s best friends, Tommy Armour, Mike Durham, Adam Ross, will always remember how he cultivated relationships, was a servant of mankind, and how he loved his family.

Always a man “made of steel”, he lived a life of service. He was featured of the cover of Mikelle’s book, “Time is of The Essence”. Tony and his wife, Mikelle, cared for elderly patients suffering from neurological disorders before succumbing to the one himself. At the age of 85 years old, Tony’

S health began to fail with symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but never complained. Instead, he found himself seeking the glory of God and the promises of the Lord. Tony was self-sacrificing, sincere, giving, loveable, and STRONG! He will be missed by all of those who were blessed enough to be in his presence, no matter the length of time.

On May 25^th, 2023, Harry Anthony ”Tony” Mataya passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side. His precious and loving memory leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend, Mikelle; his beautiful children, Debra, Toni, Randall, and step-daughter Christina; his grandchildren, Natalia, Raquel, Shawn, Veronica, Matthew, and Amanda; his many caregivers, numerous and a host of other relatives and friends.