Obituary of George DeMattia

George C. DeMattia, Burlington’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1982 and former co-owner of the Fresh Spot, passed away at the Lexington Healthcare Facility in Lexington on Thursday morning, December 1, 2011. He was 78 years old. George was born in Boston, the son of Italian immigrants, the late Angelo and Esther DeMattia. He grew up in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School. He started as a teenager as a clerk at the Medford Star Market’s Produce Department. In 10 years he rose to the manager position. He then worked for several years at Condakis Bros Produce in Boston. He then cofounded the Fresh Spot in Burlington, which he managed for over 23 years. The Fresh Spot was a delicatessen, which sold produce, specialty foods, and salads. George had a strong believe in that “One should Give Back to the Community. He was extremely generous in his donations and support of all the nonprofit organizations in the community. He employed hundred’s high school and college students over the years as well as his sons, partners, and other full time employees. The store was a family and a long time institution in the Town of Burlington. George was very active in Burlington Pop Warner and served as President of the Burlington Baseball and Softball Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a past member of the Rotary Club. In 1982, the Town of Burlington recognized his longtime contribution to the community by naming him, “Citizen of the Year. It was an honor that he cherished thru out his life. George was the beloved husband of 57 years of Joan (Franceschi) DeMattia of Burlington. He was the loving father of George of Burlington, Thomas of Lowell, and the late Nancy Bromander. He was the brother of the late Angie Harrington, Domenic, Joseph, and Ernest. He was the proud grandfather of Jason, Kaitlyn, Kimberly, & Joseph DeMattia, and Edward Bromander. He was the father-in-law of Edward Bromander, Sharon DeMattia, and Alfreda Kovarch. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St. Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in George’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 85 Astor Ave Ste 2 Norwood, MA 02062-5040.