12 The QUEE NS Courier • PERSON OF THE YEAR • JANUARY 2, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com s s JOE MATTONE “You’re a thoughtful and inspirational businessman, and more importantly a kind and dear friend. Congratulations on this prominent recognition.” With Love & Respect Linda DeSabato www.ValloTransportation.com joseph m. mattone: a life well lived involvement with the university, where he met his first wife, Irene. And this year, the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s annual fundraising event paid tribute to Mattone. In describing his father’s long career, Michael Mattone fondly says, “His success inspires me not because of the material aspects, but because of how it has enabled him to help so many people along the way. When I talk to my kids about success, I use their grandfather as the perfect example of how being successful gives you the ability to help others.” “It is not enough to simply call Joe the ‘Person of the Year’,” says Mattone’s longtime friend, Judge Joseph Golia. “He is respectful, a regular church attendee, intelligent, humorous, charitable. With Governor Andrew Cuomo These are just a few of the many accolades that encompass Joe’s character. He’s committed to young people. He contributes to many Catholic charities that support education, which is a testament to his sincere concern for education. He is just a very honest, upfront, truthful person. It’s hard to find someone with all these traits.” Bruce Ratner, Executive Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, echoed the sentiment: “Joe Mattone is one of the finest, most giving individuals that I have ever met. We go back many years as both friends and business partners. I am grateful for the many years that I have had the honor to know him and experience firsthand his integrity, his business acumen, his humanity and his wonderful family. I congratulate Joe and the whole Mattone family on this well-deserved honor.” Late wife Irene at top left, with daughters, Teresa, Fran, Irene and Julie (continued from page 10)
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