Paul S. Matassa, a device salesman who launched a broad social network in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, died Oct. 2 at his home in downtown Baltimore of glioblastoma. He was 67.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Carney, he was the son of Charles Matassa, who owned and operated a barbershop on St. Paul Street, and his wife, Yolanda Vettor Matassa. He attended St. Ursula School and graduated from Loyola High School in Blakefield in 1974. He graduated from Loyola University Maryland.
Mr. Matassa became a wholesale appliance retailer and worked for decades at D&H Distributing and Design House Kitchen before joining ABW Appliances. He worked with home builders, general contractors and those looking to improve their kitchens.
“Although he didn't start out in sales — he was originally hired in an operations role — it was clear he was a natural salesman,” says a colleague, Steven Mannion. “He made customers feel comfortable, and when people made big purchases, that quality reassured them. He also had phenomenal product knowledge. He had an incredibly quick wit and could make fun of himself.”
Mr Mannion also said: “Paul was very good at bidding on the housing market. He knew the low end, up to and including top-level equipment. He was able to offer a basic starter package for gourmet kitchens at the highest price level.”
Mr. Matassa was fascinated by antique appliances and spent his lunch hours scouring thrift stores, antique shops and auctions between Baltimore and Washington.
“He loved old-fashioned vacuum cleaners, especially the Art Deco ones,” said his husband, Rennert “Rennie” Hiltz. “He loved old appliances: toasters, blenders and early KitchenAid mixers. He had storage spaces full.”
In 1987, Mr. Matassa began renovating a corner house in Mount Vernon that had been built by the son of folk songwriter Francis Scott Key. The 19th century house became an ideal setting for a party on the night the nearby Washington Monument was lit for the Christmas holiday. The guest list was so extensive that he hired staff to weed out party crashers.
He was a good cook and took more than a week off to make the homemade meatballs, steamed shrimp, pasta and chicken dishes he served that evening.
He was also a frequent patron of Mount Vernon's old and new restaurants, including the Harvey House, Gampy's, the Mount Vernon Stable and City Cafe.
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Mr. Matassa made his home available for fundraisers for AIDS Action.
“Paul was one of the most decent people I have ever met,” said Lyndia Dee, executive director of AIDS Action. “He was warm and cheerful and set the tone that made these events a success.”
Survivors include his husband, Rennert “Rennie” Hiltz, and his family. A brother, Charles Matassa Jr., died in 2014. Another brother, Brian Matassa, died as a child.
A memorial Mass celebrating Mr. Matassa's life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 2 at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, 740 N. Calvert St., where he was an active member.
