The Train Ride

Katie two weeks ago Carol,Diane,and myself went to New York to see a play. As soon as we got on the train the three of us became so sad. It was always the four of us who did special trips to the city. We knew it would never be the same but the sadness was really overwhelming. Of course we knew you wouldn't want us to feel sad so we started to talk about our last trip to the city. We were laughing so much and remembered you saying "stop my face hurts". We are all so happy that every time we were together was always such fun.You are so missed . 

​​​Posted by Isabel Kneuer 3/25/15

Nana's Birthday Party

Last year for Nana's birthday we decided to throw her a glamour/tea/ dress up party. All of the kids and grandkids played dress up with lots of accessories, scarves and hats. We all wanted to show her how fancy we thought of her by getting all dolled up.  Her and Pop stole the show with their dapper and glamorous attire. Even though Queen Nana was wearing lots of jewelry she probably didn't even make a dent in her overflowing trunk of family jewls. Nana and Pop Pop looked like a true old school "Hollywood Couple"! We set the table with our finest linen and china and adorned it with lemon napkin holders and her favorite fruit infused water. It was set for a queen! We had so much fun.  

Posted By: Reagan Dernbach 12/16/14

A Special Birthday

Katie its a beautiful day, the sun is shining but you are not here. We want to send you a message today please look for the balloons we will be sending you later. It's a special birthday and I wish I could sing to you, not that you would let me, as usual you would gently push me aside and you'd finish the song LOL!

Happy Birthday in heaven!

​​​Posted by Isabel Kneuer 4/2/15

Happy Birthday

Today is your first birthday in heaven and God and all his cohorts have been laughing since you got there back in December. We all miss you so very much and of course wish that you were still with us. However sad it gets we're still able to laugh when we think of you and your many stories. The East Meadow crew was over today for lunch, we shared some tears, glasses of wine, funny stories and sent some balloons your way, hope you got them. The kids and grandchildren are doing ok. We just got back from vacation in Florida, we did the Disney thing again. I told the kids that was the last one for me, my bones can't take all of that walking. You have to know what a wonderful legacy you left behind, I'm so proud of our kids and their families and I know you are too.  

​​​Posted by Nicholas Mattia 4/2/15

So Much More than a Mother in Law

I'll never forget when I first met Kate. I thought I was going to meet my new boyfriend’s Mom, but I actually wandered in to a high level meeting of the upper management of KISS enterprises, and by that I mean I walked into the basement to find her and Mrs. Kneuer laughing, painting and planning their future domination of the glassware industry. Obviously, at that time, I didn’t know that she would be my future mother-in-law, but my nervousness quickly melted away because you couldn’t help but get along with her. I hate to even use the term “mother-in-law” because to me she is so much more than that. This was close to twelve years ago, and in that time, I learned so much from her and have so many memories that I will always carry close to my heart. One thing I immediately think of that she introduced me to is pot roast. Growing up in an Italian family, I had no idea you could make a meal without sauce, and needless to say, I love her pot roast! I loved it so much that every year when Nick’s annual birthday dinner rolled around, Mom would ask him what he wanted for his birthday dinner he (really me) would inevitably choose pot roast, and every year when “he” asked for it, she happily made it for me. Years later, at my bridal shower, she shared her recipe for pot roast with me, and I think of her every time I make it. I find that all of the memories that I have of her are comforting…as comforting as pot roast and biscuits on a cold winter day.  

​​Posted by Michelle Mattia 1/2/15

My Special Friend

It's been 7 long and sad months without you our wonderful friend. Every time we're together we talk about you, and we will always wish you were still here. So many times I want to call you. I especially miss our-lengthy phone conversations. I always knew we had a great friendship. That is why I miss you so. 

​​​Posted by Isabel Kneuer 7/6/15

Time to Catch Up

Katie wanted to tell you Kevin & Caitlin had a beautiful wedding. Special times like that make me miss the the people I wanted to share our wonderful day with. That morning I so wished my parents were still here,Tommy and of course you. I know how happy you would have been and so proud to see our wonderful sons together always there for each other. I got to spend time talking to Bridget she is a special person of course I know why you loved her so much. I know how much your family and Nick miss you and of course your friends. My phone has never been so quiet... 

​​​Posted by Isabel Kneuer 11/5/15

Wonderful Memories

It was 1966 when I first met Kathy (that was the name she was going by at that time) at J.P. Stevens and I immediately noticed what a sweet, funny and unassuming person she was. As it turned out Kathy was involved with the Men’s Softball team as her boss was the manager. She was a “Softball Groupie” and there were many laughs after the games in Central Park. Time went by and we lost touch. Kathy got married and started to raise her wonderful family. It was in the 1980’s and by chance that we met again through the East Meadow Little League. She was married to Nick and her name now was Katie. As we started to socialize Katie and I would always reminisce about the “good old softball days”. Fast forward to 2014. I last saw Katie in the summer. She was so upbeat. I would close my eyes and it would be 1966 and she was the same person now that she was then. Today there is an angel with all her kids and grandkids leading them in the right direction. There is a special angel for Nick saying “Nicholas that is all wrong” So Kathy, Katie, Kathleen, Kate whatever name you are going by there is one word that belongs with those names – Saint!! We all miss you. Al

​​​Posted by Al Sansobrino 1/15/15

Kate Mattia   © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | Privacy Policy

Kate Mattia 

A Beautiful Friendship

I was fortunate to have Katie as a dear friend for a little over thirty years. We met when I was riding my bike and Katie and Nick were taking a walk. She was very pregnant with Nicky her fourth child and we hit it off right away.  We quickly learned that our three older children were very close in age. So I welcomed the Mattia family to East Meadow and knew instantly we would be great friends.Over the years our families became very close. Our sons Steve & Kevin also became close friends. The boys had so many things to do together football, baseball games, parties... it made our bond very strong. Soon adding to the group came The Leahy's and The Lestudis's with their sons Chris and Kris. The four boys became best friends and the eight adults had a friendship that was so special. We always had great times together. One of the reasons Katie and I got along so well is we both loved to talk. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. We would be on the phone for over an hour, we'd finally hang up when either Bob or Nick would yell "it still can't be her". Katie lost her battle with cancer on December 6,2014. It was so hard to watch her go through two years of chemo, three major surgeries, and even a clinical trial. She was so brave and would never complain, even though she certainly had the right to. I miss my best friend and always will , Katie always said "you and I are so much alike", only now do I know what a true compliment that is.

Mom's Amazing Party Planning

Over the years, my relationship with Mom continued to deepen and grow, as did the number of glasses of wine we had together while “chatting”. (Unfortunately, none of the glasses we drank from were KISS products, or at least I’m not sure if they were since the paint had long since faded.) The fact that she was much more than your typical “mother-in-law” was readily apparent during the time that Nick and I got engaged and began to plan our wedding. During that time she was not only incredibly helpful, but made a great partner in making fun of Nick…I think she called him groomzilla on more than one occasion. I remember how excited her and Dad were to throw us a nice engagement party in the backyard. I’m sure they planned on it being an intimate affair, for our closest friends and family. But of course, Nick and I got involved and “oh by the way Mom and Dad, our guest list is 100 people, we want to serve a signature pink drink with top shelf vodka, we don’t like strawberry filling in the cake, and “do you mind if my friends from out of town sleep over?” Of course all of this was “no big deal”, because that was her way. She never said no to an extra guest and was always the entertainer. I’ll always remember the gunmetal grey gown she wore to our wedding, it was beautiful, and she looked stunning. I am so thankful that she was there to share in our most special day, and I’m lucky that I knew her for as long as I did, but it wasn’t long enough.

​​Posted by Michelle Mattia 1/2/15

Missing My Friend

Katie I'm just starting to get ready to go to Michelle's baby shower,and feeling so sad that you will not be there.I know you must be so happy.I'm sure this precious baby feels your love already. Carol,Diane and myself made a beautiful basket ,I'm sure you are impressed. We will be seeing Bridget today as you know she will be giving birth soon. Your love will always surround them,your family has made sure of that. Miss you so much,Love,Isabelle

​​​Posted by Isabel Kneuer  11/9/16

One Year in Heaven 

Hi Honey, It's one year since you left us and life is, and never will be, the same without you. I along with the kids, are trying as you wished, to find a way to be happy. It's very difficult. However, I find that when I think about the life that we shared and the great times we had together, I laugh now instead of cry. This past Sunday we celebrated your entry into heaven at Beth and Jim's house with a pasta dinner, just like you use to do. You would have been so proud of Beth, the house was decorated with all of the Christmas stuff that you gave her and much more. Much to everyone's delight the sauce was good, it was the first time that Beth did not use sauce from the jar. We had a lot of laughs, some at your expense along with some tears. You would be so proud of the whole crew, the grandkids are getting so big to fast. Talking with Julianna and Luke is like sharing ideas with teenagers. Jackie is as wacky as ever, and Alessandra and Reagan are as cute as can be. I decided to host the Christmas Eve gathering at home just like we used to do together. As difficult as it will be I know in my heart that's exactly what you would've wanted me to do. Earlier in the story I stated that I laugh more than cry when I think about you, however I am starting to feel very sad now so I am going to stop writing. Please continue to watch over all of us and say hello to Maryann and Angelo for me.
Optin
True 

​​​Posted by Nicholas Mattia 12/9/15

Always Able to Make Me Laugh

When I start to feel sad because you are not here, I think of all the great times we shared. One of the funny stories I remember of Katie is when she called me one day to come over for tea. When I got there she says "don't mind me, I'm just doing a little at home face lift" but of course she had her lipstick on (nothing would keep her from doing that). So we sat down to have our tea and I say "I cant even see any signs of your at home face lift". So she begins to explain she's using rubber bands around her ears to her chin. I say "wow sounds simple enough, not that you need it". A minute later they pop off and hit me in the face... as usual we laughed and another great memory was made. I am thankful for the friendship we had and the memories we made. 

Posted by Isabel Kneuer 1/15/15

To My Gertie

Plain and simple; I miss you and I love you.

It’s hard to think about how many milestones we have already been through and are going to be celebrating without you. Birthdays, holidays and concerts are just a few. I still find myself picking up the phone to call you when something important or even something silly happens. You’re the first person I want to tell everything to—EVERYTHING.  Whether it’s a call to fill you in on the latest news about Luke, ask you how to do something around the house, kill a spider or get your input from a not so great doctor appointment.  You were always first to know.  We had such a connection that words weren’t always necessary (god knows the 2 of us could talk forever). Most of the time, I didn’t even have to specify what I was feeling for you to understand it. We knew each other that well.

Ironically enough, the only one I want to talk to about how much my heart aches when I think about you is… YOU. It’s crazy to think that I can’t just show up to your house and see you in the kitchen cleaning or out by the pool reading your book. Often times, you’ll hear people tell you to, “appreciate the little things, because they become the big things.” I wish I realized that when you were still here.  I wish I would have listened more, been with you more, even spoken to you more.  I can’t believe we’ve run out of OUR moments.  I would give anything for one more day with you.  

Despite this, I still smile cheek-to-cheek when I look at photos of you. The sounds of your laughter, your singing and of course your dance moves (Elbow.. Elbow… Back) are permanently etched into my mind. Your extremely awkward smile while taking a photo and your “Hurry up and Take it” growl during said process are memories I will cherish forever. The way you could take absolutely any fear out of my realm by just being there.  Your open arms and loving smile are truly what I miss most.

You are always going to be the first person I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last person on my mind when I go to sleep at night. You still impact so many loved ones both family and friends.  Every lesson, story and memory I share with Luke is a treasure that will be safely kept in our minds and hearts until we can be together again. Take care of our family with whom you have joined and others who will come to join you. I love and miss you beyond measure and not a day will pass where I don’t think about you.  

I love you Maaa…

​​​Posted by Beth Rizzo 12/9/15

Nana Takes the Mic

Kate's Business Ventures

My wife wore many different hats in her lifetime one being a business woman. I can remember coming home from work one night and she told me that she and Irene better known as Ethel and Lucy, wanted to sell Christmas trees on the corner of Merrick Road and 107. Of course I thought that was a wacky idea, thank God it didn’t pan out. There was one business venture that did get off the ground, the name of it was KISS, standing for Kate and Isabel. There brainstorm was that they would hand paint wine glasses, as they both thought that they had some hidden talent that would rise to the top. After countless hours and days working in my basement with the crickets they produced their product. The idea was to set up a stand at various flea markets and they would make a bundle of money. Bob and I would help them set up their stands and go about our business. Well after going to several different flea markets, and helping them break down their stands a recurring theme kept popping up. We would ask them had much money they made they informed us that they did not have a good day with sales however one of the jewelry vendors had some beautiful stuff, so they spent more money than they made. However there was one sale that they did make to our friends Diane and Dennis Leahy. They purchased several of the wine glasses and as it turns out they gave them to friends of theirs as a gift. Over a period of time Dennis and Diane told all of us that there was a slight problem with the glasses that they gave to  their friends. We of course asked them to tell us what the issue was, well as it turns out after the glasses came out of the dishwasher all the paint came off. I hope those people are still your friends.
​                                                                                                                                                                                             Posted by Nick Mattia 12/21/14