Michael David Matteo Sr.

Michael David Matteo Sr., of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 62, surrounded by his wife and son. Born and raised in Sun Village, Chester, Pennsylvania, Michael, known to many as “Mike”, lived a life defined by strength, loyalty, and love. He grew up with a resilient spirit that carried him through every challenge life brought his way. At sixteen, he joined the U.S. Army in 1980, proudly serving his country and building the discipline that would guide the rest of his life. When he returned home, he discovered another gift, music. One afternoon, while singing to himself, a band member overheard his voice and invited him to audition. He became the lead singer of the rock band Zig Zag, where his powerful voice and charisma captured hearts, including that of a young woman named Deborah Sullivan. During one of his performances, he tossed his scarf into the crowd; she caught it. That moment began a love story that lasted thirty-seven years. The two married in 1988 and built a life together filled with laughter, devotion, and enduring love. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of their first child, Miranda, in 1991, they welcomed their son, Michael Jr., in 1992. In 1995, they purchased their family home in Wilmington, where countless memories were made. Mike spent his career as a master craftsman in the auto body trade. His talent for metalwork and paint was unmatched—he could take a wrecked car and restore it to perfection. He took tremendous pride in his work and was known for his artistry, precision, and integrity. He used to call himself a “baaad man”—and he was. Nobody could step up to him, whether in his craft or his character. He was tough, confident, and fiercely protective of those he loved. Yet behind the grit was a man of deep patience, humor, and compassion. As a father, Mike was loving, present, and playful. Every day after work, his son would wait upstairs for him to come home, then leap into his arms. They’d spend evenings watching The Simpsons and King of the Hill, and Saturday mornings were reserved for cartoons and cereal together. Those simple moments defined their bond. Mike had a natural connection with animals. From Bear the German Shepherd and Daisy the pit bull to Lucy the cat, every pet in the household loved him most. He had an uncanny ability to find whatever was lost—whether it was a remote, a ring, or a tool, he always found it, and he wouldn’t stop searching until he did. He loved iced tea (especially Wawa and Turkey Hill), classic Westerns, Godzilla, Ultraman, Speed Racer, and The Three Stooges. He was a lifelong Chevy man, Camaro, Corvette, SS Trailblazer—you name it. He enjoyed building custom bikes, riding e-bikes later in life, and maintaining the backyard koi pond he built himself, home to fish still swimming after twenty-five years. Mike was a man of quiet strength. He believed in peace under pressure and power under control. He didn’t need to prove himself, his presence spoke for him. And while he could fix anything with his hands, it was his heart, humor, and steady spirit that held his family together. He is survived by his devoted wife, Deborah Matteo, and loving son, Michael Matteo Jr. Also survived by his siblings Michele (Matteo) Cubler, William (Billy) Matteo Jr., and Gary Matteo; and by many nieces, nephews, and in-laws from the Sullivan family, whom he loved as his own. He was predeceased by his parents William (“Handsome Bill”) Matteo and Lolita Matteo, sister Diane Matteo, niece Candice Matteo, nephew William Matteo III, and daughter Miranda Matteo. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd, Newark, Delaware. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a service at 7:00 PM, with a Catholic priest offering prayers and blessings. To send an online condolence or for directions please visit www.stranofeeley.com. Mike will be deeply missed and forever remembered—for his laughter, his loyalty, his strength, and his love. “He could fix anything.”

Michael David Matteo Sr.

May 25, 1963 - October 23, 2025

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