Anthony Joseph Matranga
April 10, 1933 – February 11, 2022

Anthony (Tony) Joseph Matranga passed peacefully into God’s hands on February 11, 2022. He was born April 10, 1933, in Houston, TX to George Matranga & Annie Paratore.

He worked in the helping professions all his life. Always in service to others, Tony was a Catholic priest for 12 years and then went on to work as a Psychotherapist until he retired. Always the loving and devoted husband and father, he showed up with compassion and listened with attention and care. There are never enough words to sum up the whole of a person, but the words of some true friends come close: “What a solid and true friend he was to me. He was always there, always reliable, always available, always up for a good laugh.” And, “Thank you for being a model of generous availability and compassion”. Tony was most alive when helping someone in need. He genuinely cared about the experience of other people. It was said of him that, “he never met a stranger” always “welcoming, expansive, inclusive.”

Survived by his loving wife, Joanna Matranga; children David Matranga (Emily Neves), Amy Laday (Trent Laday); siblings Margaret Apffel, Georgia Ann Ethridge-Muñiz (Martin Muñiz Sr.); 4 Grandchildren: Alivia, Trent Anthony, Tristan, & Tyler; & many nieces and nephews.

The family invites you to join us as we celebrate his life on Friday, February 25th at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church – 11011 Hall Rd, Houston, TX  77089. There will be a rosary at 10:15 am with a funeral mass to follow at 11 am. A reception is to follow immediately after mass where food will be provided.

Service Information

Friday, February 25th, 2022
Rosary – 10:15 a.m.
Funeral Mass – 11:00 a.m.

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church
11011 Hall Rd.
Houston, TX, 77089

6 Comments

  1. Michelle evans on February 21, 2022 at 4:05 pm

    Tony, you are so missed more than you know. Anyone that you have had contact with, you left a mark. I will miss your bear hugs and your great advice through the years. Heaven has an angel unlike what they’ve ever seen. I love you and think of you daily. You took a piece of my heart with you. Rest In Peace



  2. Pamela Reynolds on February 21, 2022 at 9:48 pm

    Sending love and condolences to you all. So sorry that I didn’t have the opportunity to know Tony. He seemed like a wonderful man and I look forward to meeting him in Heaven some day.



  3. Carmen Cervantes on February 22, 2022 at 10:59 am

    I knew Tony and Joanna for several years, while being a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Choir. He was always kind and thoughtful and funny. It was a pleasure to know him. God bless his soul.



  4. Carmen Cervantes on February 22, 2022 at 11:07 am

    I knew Tony for several years as a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Church Choir. He was a delightful personality! God bless his Soul and his family.



  5. Joe moon on February 22, 2022 at 11:59 am

    My heart is with you, Matranga family. He was like a father figure to me, when I was in 6th through 12th grade in which i didn’t have a role model in a man. I thought it was fascinating that he was a psychotherapist and eventually ended up being one in my career. A man who made me laugh & showed me many awesome insights in life growing up. He will be missed & loved without a doubt for all of our lives…



  6. Aida Gonzalez on February 24, 2022 at 1:34 am

    My most sincere condolences for the family members and friends who are mourning the loss of Tony. He was a great person with many gifts and May God bless him and his family with peace love. From a former choir member of his at St. Frances Cabrini and I will pray for his soul and for his family to be at peace.