August 17, 1920 – March 19, 2024
Matt, a first-generation American, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2024, at the Canyonlands Care Center in Moab, UT. He was born on August 17, 1920, in the small Italian borough of Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. His parents, Josephine Benedict and Michele Langianese, migrated from Italy in the early 1900s. Michele fought in WWI before returning to the U.S. He and Josephine had six children, with Matt being the oldest son proudly known as the “padrone” (Italian for chief). He is survived by his younger sister, Jeanne.
Matt served in WWII from 1942 through 1945. He also served in the Korean War. He landed on Omaha Beach on Day 3 of D-Day and continued through Europe on the front line including the Battle of the Bulge. Eventually, his unit was responsible for liberating several concentration camps and finally taking over the town of Friedberg, Germany by the end of the war. He was a proud veteran. He was always dedicated to his country but rarely shared his war experience until he was in his eighties. In 2020, the French government knighted him with the Medal of Honor for his war efforts, which is that country’s highest honor.
He married Norma MacKenzie in 1948 and they had two daughters, Michele and Joette. He and his family moved around the country to further his career, living in Alexandria, Louisiana; Columbus, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He retired from Dresser Ideco in Beaumont, Texas. He and Norma enjoyed traveling the country visiting almost every state and national park. They frequently visited their daughter, Joette, in Utah and he did not hesitate to join her on many Wasatch Mountain hikes. After Norma’s death in 2001, he met his second love, Elaine Turner. They were together until her death in 2014.
Matt was an avid golfer and played as often as he could until the age of 94 when his bad knee—which he claimed occurred during a football injury while he was in high school—would not allow him to follow through on his swing. He also loved hiking in the mountains and exploring Arches and Canyonlands national parks. At the age of 87, he had no problems hiking to Delicate Arch. He showed his daughters the beauty of nature, taking them on hikes in the Allegheny Mountains as soon as they could walk.
Matt was a very independent man and refused Joette’s many suggestions to move to Utah. Finally, after a bad fall in his home, he decided that Utah might be a good idea. He moved to Moab in 2018 and lived next door to Joette until he transitioned to the Canyonlands Care Center where he lived the remainder of his life. He loved living at the Care Center, where he was treated like family and often said, “This is a good place, it’s quiet, and everybody is nice. I’ve got a nice room, a bed, and three squares a day. What more could you want?”
Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Michele; his brothers, Tony, Frank, Mike, and Sam; his wife, Norma; and his special friend, Elaine.
He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Senuta; daughters, Joette (Steve) and Michele (Jimi); and many nieces and nephews. To say he will be missed is an understatement. He was a big part of the greatest generation. He will always be known as a hero for our country and for his family.
At Matt’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
