BORN: December 12, 1935 in Matasi, Croatia

PASSED: July 31, 2020 in Oakville, Ontario

elevated QbPjj It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ante “Tony” Matas, 84, announce his passing on Friday, July 31, 2020. Tony was cherished husband to Lidia, loving father to John (Wendy) and Gordan (Donna) and dearest Dida to Elena, Rory and Michael. He will be remembered by his surviving siblings, brother Nikola and sister, Jakica along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family both here and in Croatia. Tony will be deeply missed by his many friends and all who knew him.

elevated QbPjj Tony was born in Matasi, Croatia, the youngest of 10 siblings. At the age of 14, he left for school in the city of Split. At 18, he joined the Navy and served 3 years travelling throughout the country of Yugoslavia. In Pula, Croatia, he met Lidia Levak. They were married in Pazin, Istria in 1958. On their wedding night, they escaped Yugoslavia through Italy and settled in Nice, France where their first son, Jean – Pierre “John”, was born the following year. In 1962, they emigrated to Toronto, Canada. A year later, their second son, Gordan was born. While keeping strong emotional connections to family in Croatia, Tony set the foundation for the extended Matas family to grow in Canada.

elevated QbPjj The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the team of doctors and nurses at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital and to the wonderful staff at the Queens Avenue Retirement Residence.

elevated QbPjj Private funeral services will be held at Assumption Catholic Cemetary on Friday, August 7. Unfortunately, due to the current CoVid19 restrictions, arrangements will be limited to immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Oakville Hospital Foundation in Tony’s name would be greatly appreciated.

elevated QbPjj Attendee restrictions in place:
https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/

Attendee mask use required:
https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-masks-and-face-coverings-mandatory-at-indoor-funerals-and-visitations/