Matteo Valles

On Thursday April 24, Matteo Valles of Bethel Park (formerly Dormont) passed away at the age of 95. Husband of the late Adeline Louise (nee Menchetti); loving Father of Patricia Valles, Tina Barus (Don), Deborah Ott (Bob), Matteo Valles Jr, Rizieri Valles (Erin), and the late Leonardo Valles; Grandfather of Jason, Jodi, Janelle, Brian, Bobbie, Nathan, Matteo III, Domenico, Kenna, Erika, Leonardo Jr, Chase, Lenna, Ellen, Katie, and Erica; Great Grandfather of 19; and Great Great Grandfather of 4.

Born in Alberona, Italy, a small modest village in the hills of Italy, he came to the United States at the age of 18 and built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and family.

A very skilled bricklayer, Matteo was a member of the bricklayer’s union for over 40 years. His craftsmanship can still be seen throughout the communities he helped build. Beyond his trade, he was a man of deep cultural traditions. Every year, he proudly prepared his homemade Italian sausage which hung from his basement ceiling; grew and stored his “very” hot peppers; and made homemade red wine which matured in his oak barrels. No one visited his home without sampling these fruits of his labor.

He often dined at the Alpine Club to be surrounded by his friends with whom he shared Italian roots. With these friends, he worked, hunted, and shared old stories. He loved these men, who were a significant and proud part of his life.

He was an avid bocce player, participating until age 90 in local leagues and contributing on several championship teams. Whether on the bocce court or around the family table, he found “quiet” joy in the simple moments. Matteo was a man of few words, remembered for his quiet strength, who taught others “by example”.

A devoted husband and steadfast father, Matteo was a proud Patriarch of a remarkable legacy that spans across five generations. His legacy is written not only in brick and mortar, but in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

On Monday, April 28 at 1PM – 8PM, family and friends will have the opportunity to say farewell to Matteo at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220. On Tuesday, April 29 at 10AM, a Mass of Christian burial will be held at Resurrection Parish,  St. Thomas More Church 126 Fort Couch Rd. (across from the South Hills Village). Entombment to follow in Queen of Heaven cemetery. 

www.slaterfuneral.com