PORTLAND - Milo Anthony Matrazzo passed away in his sleep, July 6, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. Born in Mechanicville, New York, on Dec. 4, 1937, to Amelia Yankowski and Dominick Matrazzo, he was the eldest of four sons (Frank, Tony, and Ralph) raised on the family farm, Alsara Nursery, in Malta, N.Y.
After graduating from Ballston Spa (New York) High School in 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga. At St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., he was Beta Theta Pi, lacrosse captain, and football linebacker. He married his college sweetheart, Eileen Vivian Simpson, in 1964, upon graduation, and started his long career with Aetna as a bond representative in Boston. The couple relocated to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in 1970, where they raised two children, Cynthia A. Garfield and Mark A. Matrazzo.
In 1988, Milo married Linda Livada and helped raise two much-loved stepsons, Brad and Todd Pattershall. The couple enjoyed travel and temporarily relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1992 with his job. From 2004 to 2016, Milo was married to Mary Jane Andrews, a high school friend. In 2006, they made Chebeague Island their year-round home.
Milo's family enjoyed summers on Chebeague Island for over 40 years. Guests were delighted by lobster dinners served on beer trays on the screened porch. A generous host, he would say, "The only way to eat lobster is to never run out!" He enjoyed good food, good drink, and good laughs. He had a passion for collecting horse racing prints, antiques, memorabilia, and books. He was involved in the historical society and was well-known for his extensive art collection. He loved all sports and was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. A master of trivia on any subject, he could tell a tale and countless jokes in vivid detail. He enjoyed handball, hunting, fishing, and games. He reunited with family each August at the Saratoga Track. In his later years, Lisa Webber Lanphear was like a "second daughter," who helped care for him on the island. He spent his final months at Seventy-Five State Street, Mercy Hospital, and the Maine Veterans Home, where he was lovingly cared for.
He is survived by daughter Cindy and her daughters Caroline and Ellie, of Cape Elizabeth; son Mark and his wife Janice, of St. Augustine, Fla.; son Brad and his wife Sharon and daughters Sofia and Isla, of Freeport; son Todd and his daughters Stella and Eliza, of Winthrop; as well as his ex-wives and seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers.
Milo only needed one name; anyone who ever met him never forgot him. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.