Charles Lundy Matteri

Charles Lundy Matteri, a rancher, story-teller, World War II Veteran, and Lakeville Highway legend, passed away at the age of 95 at his home in Petaluma, surrounded by generations of family and friends. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Giovanni Matteri, Maria Rosselli and Elvezio Rosselli, and his siblings: Katie Allen, Elsie Marsh, John Matteri, William Rosselli and Alvin Rosselli. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Evelyn Matteri; his sister Ann Broxmeyer, and his children: Kathy Ficco (Mark), Susan Curwen (Bob), Marie Russell (Don), Linda Lansdowne (Steve), Peggy Perkins (Frank), and David Matteri (Diane); his grandchildren: Danny, Gino, (Brenda), Amarette, and Charise Ficco; Darcy Curwen (Krista), Stephanie Mackanic (Mike), Roselle, Vanessa, and Chelsea Curwen (Cody); Shelby Neubauer (Adam), Candace Clapp (Joe) and Corrinne Russell; Ryan (Renee), Courtney, and Stephanie Lansdowne; Carly, Drew, and Jesse Perkins; Steve Rose, Dina McCarthy (Joe), and seventeen beloved great grandchildren. Charles, or "Charlie" to his friends and family, was one of seven children, and a son to Italian immigrants. A native Petaluman and child of the Great Depression, he learned the importance of saving at a young age. He balanced several jobs with perseverance and a clever sense of humor. In addition to being a father and dairy rancher, he worked at the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery for thirty-five years. Charlie believed in the value of hard work and instilled his strong work ethic into his children and grandchildren. He also loved being outside; when he wasn't working on his ranch, he enjoyed fishing, and playing horseshoes or bocce ball at family barbeques. Charlie knew how to have a good time. His children attribute their love of dance to him, and recall vivid stories of his time spent mining in Alaska, and playing black jack tournaments in Boomtown. In retirement, Charlie and his wife Evelyn traveled the world, exploring Italy, Yugoslavia, Alaska, Panama Canal, Australia, and New Zealand. He also enjoyed frequent excursions with the SIR's. Nothing made Charlie happier than being with his family, young and old, listening to Johnny Cash and playing cards with a highball in hand. Today we raise a glass to a man that inspired all he met to not only work a little harder, but laugh and love a little harder as well. Conta le stelle delle tue notti, non le ombre. Conta i sorrisi della tua vita, non le lacrime. Count your nights by stars, not shadows, count your life with smiles, not tears. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma, with the Vigil Service will be at 7:00 pm at the mortuary. Family and friends are also invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, with entombment following at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Petaluma or Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department.