William J. Matte, Known to all as” Bill” died of complications from a brief illness on January 4, 2019 at the age of 94 in Agawam, Massachusetts. Bill was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 30, 1924. He was raised as an only child by his working mother Rose Matte. His father succumbed to a premature death when Bill was a small child. Raised in Hartford County, Bill was a Graduate of Cheshire Academy class of 1941 where Bill excelled in Track and Field and Hockey. In the summer after graduation at the age of 17, Bill enlisted into the Unites States Marine Corps. Due to the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Bill joined the “Fleet Marine Force” 1st Division assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Bill served in many campaigns including Guadal Canal, Solomon Islands, Cape Gloucester, Borgen Bay, Talasea and in Peleliu. A decorated War hero, Bill was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Combat Service Commemorative Medal. Upon his return to the States, Bill through the GI Bill graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a successful contract engineer, Bill worked at Colt developing the M-16 and at Raytheon in the development of the Patriot Missile. Bill also loved Jazz music and heard legends like Billy Holiday perform in NYC. Bill was an avid reader. He loved to golf and was a talented Skier, serving on the Mt. Tom Ski Patrol in Holyoke, Ma. This past June, Bill was escorted to the WWII Memorial in Washington DC on the “Honor Flight”. Bill was married to Helen Matte and had five children, Keith Matte, Laura “Kim” Matte (Gochee),William Matte Jr, Stephen Matte and Dana (Dan) Matte from the CT area. He later divorced and remarried to Doris H. Matte where they lived for over 35 years in North Amherst, Massachusetts. Bill leaves behind his step children, Catherine Murphy, Steven Hughes and Tracy Gens. Along with 7 Step Grand children Justin, Jeffrey, Rachel, Andreanna, Brendan, Haley and his Godson Christopher. Plus great, great grandchildren. Bill was devote Catholic. The Family would like to extend a special thank you to “Heidi” from the Jewish Family Services and the Staff at the Heritage Hall North Long term care facility in Agawam, Ma. For taking special care of Bill. A Burial and Memorial with full Military Honors will be planned this spring at the WildWood Cemetery in Amherst. The time and date will be announced publically when known. In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to the Jewish Family Services in Springfield, Ma.