Obituary of Jose Antonio Matos

Rone Funeral Service 856-691-4222 Jose Antonio Matos, of Milmay, New Jersey, beloved husband of Mary (Ryan) Matos, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is being remembered with deep love by his family, friends, teammates, co-workers, and all who were blessed to know him. Jose was born in 1960, to the late Jose R. and Maria I. Matos. He grew up in South Jersey and became known early in life for his athletic ability, competitive spirit, and outgoing personality. Jose was a standout Class of 1979 athlete at Buena Regional High School. He was one of the top runners on the cross-country team, finishing among the top 10 in the Cape-Atlantic League in 1978 and 1979. He was also an exceptional baseball player. In 1979, he made First Team All Atlantic County, First Team - The Vineland Times Journal, and finished second in the Cape-Atlantic League batting title race. As a shortstop, he was known for his outstanding defensive skills, quick hands, and natural feel for the game. His love for baseball continued well beyond high school. Jose played in the Atlantic County Baseball League until his mid-30s and later coached the Buena Baseball team in the Atlantic County Baseball League, helping lead them to a league championship in the early 1990s. Jose earned a degree in Business Management from St. Leo University, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Chi Fraternity and served as its president during his junior year. He was named "Senior of the Year" at St. Leo, a distinction recognizing his leadership, service, character, and contributions to campus life. Jose went on to build a long and successful career as a leading salesman with South Jersey Paper, where he worked for more than 40 years. He was not only a respected and successful salesman, but also a loyal employee and a trusted friend to many. His dedication, work ethic, and ability to connect with people made him valued by customers, co-workers, and friends throughout the region. Jose was also a member of the Forest Grove Athletic Association and the St. Joseph's Society of St. Padre Pio Parish, where he remained deeply connected to the friendships, faith, and community that were such an important part of his life. Those who knew Jose will always remember his joking and laughing personality, his quick wit, and the way he could make people feel comfortable and welcome. He was a loyal person in every sense of the word - loyal to his family, loyal to his friends, loyal to his work, and loyal to the people and communities he cared about. Jose was always willing to lend a helping hand and was the kind of person who showed up for others when they needed him. Jose is survived by his wife, Mary; brothers Ramon Narvaez (Nydia) and Jesus Matos (Denise); sisters Frances Matos, Jacqueline Matos, Blanca Matos-Phillips (Jeffry) and Gloria Pomales (Luis, Jr.). He is also survived by his uncle Jesus M. Matos and aunt Carmen; his stepson Kevin Gaines (Suzanne), Kevin's children Caelan and Aria, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jose R. and Maria I. Matos; brother-in-law Jesus Rodriquez, and niece Angelena Matos. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The St. Joseph Society, care of St. Padre Pio Parish, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08361. A funeral home visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6th from 9:15am to 11:15am at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ. A funeral Mass will follow at 12pm from Saint Padre Pio Parish - Church Of Our Lady Of Pompeii, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in St Mary's Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com