Michael Mattia

Michael Mattia (1958-2024) Michael Mattia, 65, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while at his vacation home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Michael is survived by his loving wife of almost 44 years, Regina (nee Breen); children Michael Nicholas Mattia, Elizabeth Ann Gerace and her husband Charles, and Erin Danielle Pomykala and her husband Michael; grandchildren Avery, C.J., Michael, Michael, Breen, Daniel, and Lucas. Born on May 21, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York to Nicholas and the late Theresa Mattia. Michael was the elder brother of Janine (Mule). Michael was the devoted son in law to the late Daniel and Rosemary Breen. He attended Lafayette High School before receiving his Associates Degree from Kingsborough Community College in 1978 and Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate in 1980. He went on to receive his Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in 1984, his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2005, and his Master's Degree in Health Administration from Ohio University in 2012. Michael established a successful private practice, Mattia Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, in 1985 where he served thousands throughout Brooklyn, NY until 2023. He held various leadership positions in hospitals throughout Brooklyn, including Director of Rehabilitation at Kings Highway Hospital. He was a mentor in his field, receiving many honors for his work in the profession. He served as Adjunct Professor at the College of Staten Island. Most recently, he held the role of Director of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Kingsborough Community College. He was inducted into the Wall of Fame at Kingsborough Community College. He was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the late Mayor David Dinkins. He was an advocate for advancing the practice of physical therapy as an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association with a focus on the New York Chapter. He served as President of the New York Physical Therapy Association for four years where he received the Leslie J. Wood Outstanding Service to Chapter Award and the Doreen Frank Legislative Award. In his free time, you could find Michael with Regina by his side, spending time with their children and grandchildren. Together, they attended mass each Sunday at their parish, Holy Child Roman Catholic Church. Michael loved to be surrounded by his grandchildren wherever that may have been; in his pool, at the beach, on vacation, and as their biggest fan at their games and recitals. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends, golfing with his sons, listening to the Beatles, and attending concerts. He enjoyed traveling to various locations with Regina, as well as socializing with their many friends. Michael will be truly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, and ability to connect with everyone he met. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Michael's memory to The American Heart Association. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

Michael Mattia

May 21, 1958 - April 24, 2024