Obituary of Gene R. Matacale

HORNELL/HOWARD: Gene R. Matacale, 86, of Smith Pond Rd. passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Fred & Harriett Taylor Health Facility in Urbana after an extended illness. Gene was a life-long resident of the Canisteo Valley where he and his brother, the late Francis Matacale, later nephews, Tom and Dominic Matacale, worked together for many years as CPAs in Hornell. Gene was born December 23, 1938 in Hornell to the late Ralph and Angeline (Migliore) Matacale and was the baby of 13 siblings; Georgio, Ralph Jr., Anthony, Mary Jane, Francis, Vicky, Betty, Florence, Gene Shirley, Joseph, and twins who died at a young age. In June of 1979 he married the former Bonnie House in Jasper. Gene passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy filled with love and cherished memories. A lifelong fisherman, he found joy casting for Crappie at the fish camp or spending quality time with his family. Gene was also passionate about hunting, cooking, and, of course, shopping, often trading in his cars and trucks every three months for the next 'good buy'. Whether making his famous sauce, golfing, taking frequent trips to Myrtle Beach or surprising family members with “pop-in” visits, Gene lived life to the fullest. His fiery temper was matched only by his deep love for his grandchildren and his unwavering loyalty as a Bills fan. Gene’s vibrant spirit and adventurous nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Gene is survived by his wife Bonnie Matacale of Hornell, sons, Michael Matacale of Hornell and Anthony (Tina Choe) Matacale of Hornell, two daughters, Amy Harris of Arkport, Karla (Robert) Slayton of Avoca, son in law Michael Harris of Hornell, 13 grandchildren, Louie and Lana Matacale, Olivia, Scarlett, Hudson and Autumn Harris, Mitchell (Allyson), Cole and Jordan Slayton, Joe Fiegl, Breawna Travis, Patrick and Khristopher Matacale, and many great-grandchildren, including Landon Slayton and one on the way. The family will receive friends Friday, May 2nd from 5-7 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo, where a funeral service will take place Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 am. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fremont. Memorial contributions in Gene’s name may be made to either the Fred & Harriett Taylor Activities Center, 7571 Ste. Rte. 54, Bath, NY 14810. or to the Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation P.O. Box 241 Harbor Creek, PA 16421. Arrangements are in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.