Felice Di Matteo

Phil (Felice) DiMatteo, 89, died at home in Santa Barbara, CA., on Thursday morning October 9, 2025. Phil was born in Brooklyn, NY., on February 12, 1936, the son of immigrant parents Salvatore DiMatteo and Lucia DiCapua.

Phil graduated from the Academy of Aeronautics, Queens, NY., and landed his first job at McDonnell in St. Louis, MO. It was here that he met Celeste Byers of Knobel, AR. Phil worked as a technical writer, field engineer, publications department manager and program manager in aircraft, missiles and electronic warfare. A later job brought him to Santa Barbara, CA., where he obtained employment with Raytheon and remained for 30 years until retirement.

His greatest pride was his six children, and his greatest hope was that they would love each other and get along.

Phil and his daughter, Felicia, graduated from S.B.City College on the same day in 1989. He then graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills a short time later. Phil volunteered for many years with Boy Scout Troop 105 and never missed going on the week-long annual summer trip and working the Christmas tree lot. He climbed Mount Whitney at age 65. He was handy around the house and was generous with his time for rebuilding engines to electrical work on homes of friends.

Phil is survived by his wife, Celeste, daughters Lucia Eickert and Felicia Balezentes, sons Michael, Salvatore, James and Paul, eleven grandchildren and a sister, Frances Collins. He was preceded in death by brothers Nicola, Frank, Nicholas and Salvatore and sisters Filomena (Phyllis) and Liberata (Libby).

His wish to be buried at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Knobel, AR., will be honored and conducted with graveside services on November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A Memorial Mass in Santa Barbara will take place at a later date.