Thomas Matan

Beacon Falls-Thomas Matan, age 79, loving husband of Cecile “Cece” (Guillette)  Matan, passed away on Thursday September 28, 2023 after a brief illness at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born in Waterbury, CT on February 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Frank Matan, Sr. and Anna (Lukasik) Matan. Tom grew up in Naugatuck, which he talked about often. While he spent the last 21 years of his life living in Beacon Falls, he was always a "Naugy Boy" at heart.  He was a graduate of Kaynor Technical High School and retired from Uniroyal/Chemtura as a Chemical Technician after 32 years of service. Prior to his work at Uniroyal, he worked as a cook at American Brass, his former father in law's restaurant. It was there that he developed his lifelong love of cooking. He especially loved to cook for his family and friends and had many specialty dishes he prepared upon request for the people he loved. Tom was Polish by birth, but he always considered himself to be part Italian due to the many years he spent with the Rossi family; the family of his former wife the late Nancy Rossi.  He still had a good relationship with them and continued to always consider them to be his in-laws. 

He was also very passionate about golf and was a loyal member of Hop Brook Golf Course for many years. In recent years, he developed physical limitations that would have sidelined many players. Tom refused to give up golf and continued to play weekly with his brother and his son, playing his final round last week. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, including UCONN basketball, golf, and his beloved NY Giants. 

Above all else, his true love was his wife Cece. Throughout their marriage, Tom and Cece traveled extensively including trips to California, numerous national parks, Las Vegas, and Hilton Head. Over the last few years, travel became more challenging for Tom, but Foxwoods Casino was a place they continued to visit and enjoy. 

Tom was a true family man and loyal friend. He will be remembered for his love, generosity, and humor. 

In addition to his wife Cece of 21 years, Tom leaves his sons Elio and Thomas Matan, Jr., both of Naugatuck; his step daughter Christine Sagamang and her husband Dale of Lynn, MA; his brother Frank Matan, Jr., and his wife Theodora “Teddy” of Naugatuck; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Kim Matan.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck.  A funeral service will follow at noon.  To send an on-line condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Naugatuck Food Bank, 75 Spring Street, Naugatuck.

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