Tom was born on September 21, 1942, to Joseph and Lorraine Mataya in St. Louis. He was the only boy with four sisters: JoAnn Gruen (she and husband Rich both deceased), Patti Akers (husband Patrick deceased), Muffy (Bob) Robben and Kathy (Len) Cepicky.
After finishing grade school at St. Agnes, Tom went to St. Mary’s High School where he played baseball and soccer. After graduating, he served 6 months in the US Army Reserves and then enrolled at St. Louis University on a soccer scholarship. Tom helped bring SLU 2 NCAA soccer championships in 1962 and 1963.
Tom met the love of his life, Ginny Stephens, at Teen Town at St. Anthony’s High School. In 1965, Tom and Ginny were married and grew their amazing love story with Paul (Linda) Mataya, Angie O’Hara, and Joe (Julie) Mataya.
At age 55, Tom retired from Anheuser-Busch, after 33 years, to begin his very active retirement. Tom refereed high school and college soccer as well as umpired high school baseball. In addition, he volunteered as a tutor at St. Mary’s High School. Into his 60s and 70s, he worked in the Affton school district as a substitute teacher. Tom and Ginny enjoyed traveling and went on several European trips. His favorite place was the Amalfi Coast of Italy.
Tom is a member of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, the St. Louis University Soccer Hall of Fame and the Missouri Soccer Hall of Fame. However, his most rewarding accomplishment is the nine grandchildren who were the absolute stars of his world: Michael Mataya, Nick (Mary) Mataya, Kevin O’Hara, Emily Mataya, Jon Mataya, Kate O’Hara, Ryan O’Hara, Tommy Mataya, and Dominic Mataya.
Tom was an amazing storyteller. He entertained his kids and grandkids with his funny childhood adventures and the practical jokes he and his SLU teammates played on their road trips. His silly stories were known to pass many miles on car rides. He loved riding bikes on Grant’s Trail with Ginny and watching movies.
Tom will always be remembered for his corny sense of humor, his devotion to his family and God and his true joy of living. His memory will live on in the hearts and memories of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Services; Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Sat. Dec. 6th, 9:30AM for 10AM mass at Assumption Catholic Church (4725 Mattis Rd.) Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. Visitation at Kutis Friday 12/5 from 4-8PM
My deepest sympathies to Paul and the family. I had the honor of knowing Tom and working w/Tom at AB. Class act … RIP.
Very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Worked at AB where I met Tim . He always had a welcoming, positive attitude.
A great guy always willing to lend a helping hand. May he Rest in Peace
Uncle Tom came up to me and put his arm around my shoulder and said, “Hey Jess (one of the few who called me Jess)….You can pick your friends, you can pick your nose but you can’t pick your friends’ nose.” I giggled and thought, ewwwww! But you know what? He was right. He was always right.
Rest in peace, Uncle Tom. Much love to the Mataya family.
Tom was a great guy who made everyone feel special. His loss will be felt by all of us who knew him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Tommy always made us laugh. Even though he was my cousin, because of the age difference, he was more like a nutty uncle. We played in the creek behind his house. He took my brothers, sister and I sledding once at Art Hill. I remember it to this day – at 63!
Dear Ginny. I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I thought the world of him. He was such a good kind man. My prayers are with you, Ginny. Love, Alice Gereaux.
Dear Ginny and Paul, I was fortunate to work for Tom at Aheuser-Busch. Every day he brought joy and laughter to me and everyone he worked with. He made the world a better place! God bless you and your family.
Rest in peace I’m sorry for the loss to the Mataya.
Always a class act. Loved working with Tom. RIP
I am very sorry and offer my heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family. We were both from St. Anthony’s. Even though Tom was several years older I along with my soccer playing classmates admired and were aware of Tom’s ability. Later on I had the opportunity to play senior soccer with Tom for a few years, and he was not only an outstanding midfielder but an overall great person. Tom was also a very good official and in my 25 years of coaching high school:) I always like when Tom officiated one of our games, and once again, before the game having time to talk. Even though I had not seen Tom for several years, I have very clear memories of not only an outstanding player but even more importantly a truly wonderful person-
Ginny, Paul, Angie, and Joe, my deepest sympathies. I can think of so many stories and all of them make me laugh, especially the card games.
I can’t ever think of a time when I was with him, he wasn’t smiling.
Ginny, Paul, Angie and Joe.
There aren’t enough kind words to say about Tom. A jokester and an influencer before influencers were defined. Always willing to help. Always kind to everyone. Lest we forget, he was a really good pinochle player as well. We were all fortunate to call him a neighbor and a friend. He will be sorely missed.
Knew and loved working for Tom at Anheuser-Busch. Despite the fact I played soccer at SIUE, this Billiken took me under his wing! He worked as Fred Kuhlmann’s assistant and we had a disagreement on which photo we should use on the cover of our wholesaler magazine. Tom looked at me with a wry smile and said: “Mueller, you’re too ugly to work anywhere else, now do what I say!” Classic Tom !!! May our Lord take him under his wing in paradise!
So many fond memories of Tommy. He had the ability to make you feel like “one of the family.” His wit, charm, and smile won over anyone he met. He was humble, kind, silly, and so lovable. He will truly be missed. We are so blessed to know him. Rest in peace, Tommy. We love you.
As his teammate at SLU, I found Tom to be a steady ball handler and good playmaker. I last remember seeing and visiting Tom and his family at a Sacred Heart of Eureka fish fry. I lament his passing and extend my prayers to his family.
Very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing…when I opened the first indoor soccer facility, Tom was always available to give me advice on how to approach AB regarding advertising and support.
Always a smile and willing to help in any way he could.
I’m so sorry for your loss Mataya Family. What a great man Tom was. He definitely made his world around him a better place.
Ginny, Tommy was the best. A terrific colleague and a great friend. We shall miss him a lot. I still use some of the gags I learned from him. They never grow old! We will keep both of you in our prayers. God Bless! RIP!!!!
Ginny,
We were very sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a great teammate at St.Mary’s, Anheuer-Busch, the Decent Boys and the Rigazzi softball teams. But even better, he was a great friend and person. As our previous generation would say, he was a very “Happy Go Lucky Guy”. His smile and his numerous corny jokes will be missed but will always be remembered. God Bless.
Like so many who have commented here I met Tom at AB. Also had a chance to run into him at games he refereed and umpired. One of the great ones. May he be in the Lords hands.
I extend my thoughts and sympathy to Tom’s family. We were classmates at both St. Mary’s HS and SLU. Because of the alphabetic progression, Tom’s desk often was the one in front of me. I often walked home from teen town with Tom and Ginny. Tom always had great charisma and generously offered his friendship to everyone.
The SLU 1965 year book says the little man scores a goal. The goal part was correct but we all know that Tom was a big man with a big heart.
.Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful person. From 1966 to 1970 we were Scienfific Computer Analyst ‘cubical mates’ at Anheuser-Busch. We spent many. many hours together trying to ‘debug’ each other’s FORTRAN programs … and many, many hours talking Soccer. See you in the next life, Buddy.
Ginny, our sympathy to you & your family. We have many fond memories of Tom and his antics
A friend to all and always ready to engage in conversation.
Provided inspiration to many as they followed a path similar to what he had blazed.
Mr. Mataya was a great man. So many wonderful memories of him being my club coach for a few years in grade school and high school. Road trips to practice and games playing name that song on the radio and just having a conversation about Life. He will be remembered in my heart forever.
Tom was one of my best St. Agnes grade school buddies. Spent just about every summer day together playing baseball at Lemp Park or afternoons in shooting hoops in the schoolyard. He will be missed by all.
Some people you think will live forever. Tom M. was one of them. Tom Z said, about a month or so ago I haven’t seen the Matayas on the trail for quite awhile.. So sorry for your loss Ginnie and family. You and Tom were always smiling, so kind, and a lot of fun. A huge loss for all of us left behind. Prayers for you and your family.
Ginny, I’m sad to hear of Tom,s passing he was such a gentile and giving person.. had a special insight on how to get the best performance out of all the boys he coach over the years. Again my deepest sympathy to you and you family..
Karen and Mike Allen..
Ginny, I’m sad to hear of Tom,s passing he was such a gentle and giving person.. had a special insight on how to get the best performance out of all the boys he coached over the years. Again my deepest sympathy to you
Joe, Julie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing your mom and dad when visiting Rose. Prayers for the family.
Tom & I were neighborhood & high school friends, We played ping pong in my basement & it drove him nuts, I loved him & Ginny, God Bless,
Tom was a teammate on the St. May’s baseball squad, and later umpired many games for teams I coached. He always had a special way with players and coaches. His humor made him a special human being. He will be remembered fondly by many, many people
Tom and I were close friends in the early 50’s as classmates at St Agnes – played a lot of ball together! I’m sorry that, because of different life paths, we didn’t get to spend more time with each other.
REMEMBER TOM FROM ST. AGNES, LEMP PARK AND ST. MARY’S. GOOD ATHLETE, FUN GUY TO BE AROUND. ALWAYS HAD FOND MEMORIES OF HIM. A LIFE WORTH REMEMBERING. RIP OLD FRIEND
Ginny, Paul, Angie and Joe,
You were blessed to have Tom as your husband or dad. He was the VERY BEST!
He will be missed, but not forgotten. We were glad to have seen him recently.
Love to all and you have our deepest sympathy.
Carl and Marlene
Tom was a wonderful neighbor in our neighborhood who lived up around the corner from us. My husband and I always looked forward to being out in the yard working or washing our cars and he and Ginny would always stop to say Hello and Chat while walking their giant dogs, just taking a walk or riding their bikes. He was always so kind and funny Ginny too. We miss seeing them both. We hope Ginny is doing well. RIP Tom, prayers to Ginny and the families.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Had the good fortune to be coached by him and Tony Tieber when playing soccer at St. Anthony’s. Terrific coach and great person. My condolences to his entire family.
Len & Kathy,
Very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you both.
Met at A-B. Always funny, great postive attitude, and making work much more enjoyable.. Will always be remembered.