Philip Matarazzo

Philip C. Matarazzo, age 69, of Wayne passed at home Thursday, September 18, 2025. 

Phil was born to Ettore and Maryann Matarazzo in Uniontown, PA and graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark in 1974. Phil continued his education at Rutgers University–Newark where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Accounting in 1978. 

Phil always possessed an incredible work ethic and at age 13 had his first job as a soda jerk at a luncheonette. From there, he worked at a coffee factory where he loaded, packaged, and delivered coffee. (In fact, Phil’s wife, Donna, was even seated atop a coffee bag when he proposed to her.) After college, he started work as an accountant, first at a packaging corporation and continuing for several other companies for many years. His final employer was InComm Conferencing in Glen Rock, NJ, where he worked as a controller and made many lifelong friends. 

Phil had an affinity for vintage cars, classic TV shows, and tool collecting. One of his proudest moments was when his sons surprised him with a cherry red classic 1973 Corvette as a Father’s Day gift. You may have seen him cruising around Packanack Lake in it or showing it off at local car shows. On weekends he could often be found visiting neighborhood garage sales in search of a new hammer or wrench. He was also on the lookout for gifts for his wife and kids and would often come home with a book or piece of art he had discovered. He was a modest man of few words but was always happy to listen and would often surprise people with his sharp sense of humor. 

Phil’s family meant the world to him. He and his wife Donna were high school sweethearts and dated throughout college. They were married in 1981 at Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst and honeymooned in Hawaii. They bought their first home in Lyndhurst where they started their family with their Irish Setter, Kelly. They went on to have two children, Nicholas and Daniel. In 1992, they moved to Packanack Lake in Wayne. Phil dedicated his life to his family. He served as a soccer coach, den leader in Pack 104, and was always found in the backyard with his sons practicing catch, kicking a soccer ball, or shooting hoops. Three years ago, Phil became the proud Poppa to his granddaughter, Jade, who brought him tremendous joy. After raising two boys, he seamlessly transitioned to endless tea parties. He could never say no to his little girl. He recently travelled to Bar Harbor, ME, one of his favorite places, for a special family vacation. 

Phil is survived by his wife Donna nee Salerno; his sons Nicholas and his fiancee Mallaurie of Montclair, Daniel and his wife Brianne of Ringwood; his granddaughter Jade; his brother Anthony and his wife Marisa of Toms River; and his nephews Anthony and Marco. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated. When Phil’s son was hospitalized for many months in Cincinnati, OH, the Ronald McDonald House was not only a home away from home but a source of comfort and support for Phil and his wife during a very difficult time. It is a charity that was near and dear to Phil’s heart.