Dennis Joseph Matzoni

Dennis Joseph Matzoni, 86, of Alden section of Newport Township, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 10, 1939, in Mocanaqua, Dennis lived a life defined by faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to education and community. A proud graduate of Bloomsburg State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, Dennis later completed his Master’s degree in Education at the University of Scranton.

His long and distinguished career began at Williams Valley High School in Williamstown, where he first shared his love of history with students. He later joined the Nanticoke Area School District, where his dedication and leadership led him to serve as Middle School Principal in 1984 at Greater Nanticoke Area. Known as a staunch disciplinarian, Dennis balanced firmness with fairness, shaping countless young lives with integrity and care.

In 1962, Dennis married the love of his life, Elizabeth Littleford, with whom he shared a lifetime of devotion and partnership. Together they built a strong and loving family, centered on faith, respect, and service to others. He was a devoted father, a beloved grandfather, and a man who took immense pride in his family’s accomplishments.

Beyond the classroom, Dennis was deeply involved in his community. He was an enthusiastic baseball coach for Greater Nanticoke Area, Newport Teeners, and local Little League teams, inspiring generations of young athletes. A lifelong sportsman and diehard New York Yankees fan, Dennis also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and later in life, golf. His love

of music was evident in his years playing accordion in a local polka band, and he found simple joy in watching television and cheering on his favorite teams.

A man of deep faith, Dennis was a devoted member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, where he lived out his Christian values with humility and steadfast belief.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; Children, Gary (Vickie) Matzoni, Linda (John) Stubb,

Drs. Jeffrey (Faith) Matzoni; Grandchildren, Dominick (Rachel) Policare, Lauren Matzoni, Justin Matzoni, Alyssa Matzoni, Anthony Matzoni, and Taylor Lloyd; a sister, Ann Corey, and by his extended family and many friends who will cherish his memory.

Funeral Services will begin Monday at 9:30 a.m. from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad Street, Nanticoke with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke, with the Rev. Brian F. Van Fossen, his pastor, as celebrant.

Interment and Rite of Committal will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Viewing and Visitation hours will be Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Dennis’s memory.