Richard Ross Mata

Richard Ross Mata, 75, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born to Henry and Lucille Mata on July 31, 1938 in Visalia, CA. He served in the US Navy on the USS Midway. He worked at Moore Business Forms for many years and later started his own business, Mid Valley Paving. He is survived by his wife Shirley Lyons and his children; Darlene Mata of Visalia, Stephanie Pina of Visalia, Cindy Mata of Millbrae, and Richard Mata Jr. of Visalia, children of Carmen Mata. He had six grandchildren, all of whom adored their grandpa; Briana, Serina, Richie, James, Gregory and Graeme. All who knew him will forever remember his kind heart and easygoing, caring personality. He always kept us laughing, even until the end. Words cannot express the amazing man he was. Our hearts are broken, but we feel fortunate because we had "The Best DAD in the World". Visitation will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 at Hadley-Marcom Funeral Chapel, Visalia, CA from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014 in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Visalia, CA at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014.