Thomas W. Mattice, 80, of Shanghai, China (formerly of Corfu, New York), passed suddenly on March 23, 2025.
Tom was born January 14, 1945, in Batavia, New York, to the late Simeon and Jean (Mason) Mattice. He was a graduate of Corfu High School and Mohawk Valley Community College. He worked briefly for the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, prior to being drafted into the United States Army.
Captain Mattice became an Army helicopter pilot, serving 18 months of his enlistment in Viet Nam. He earned the Army Aviation Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged from the US Army after five years. He returned to his job at Eastman Kodak where he remained until his retirement.
Tom had a big heart and loved helping others in times of need. He was adventurous, enjoyed traveling and experiencing other cultures. He lived in the United States, the Netherlands and China. He was a craftsman, a gardener (loved flowers) and a perfectionist who enjoyed woodworking, cars and in his later years cooking and baking.
Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, of Shanghai, siblings Janice (Allan) Scoins of Cameron, North Carolina; Dr. Nancy Mattice (Sharon David) of Florence, Oregon; Thelma Mattice of Honeoye, New York; Lu Anne (Edwin) Mileham, Jr. of Corfu, New York and Charles (Lori) Mattice of Hesston, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his daughter, Joy Mattice of Buffalo, New York, and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a service of remembrance at the Indian Falls Fire Hall at 8030 Alleghany Road in Indian Falls on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
Following the service, Captain Mattice will be laid to rest, with military honors, at the Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, New York at 11:00 a.m. If you are attending the internment, the cemetery requests you be in line at the Administration Building by 10:45.
