Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
It is with deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of our father, Hilario Mata, who left us peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 88. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and elder.
He is proceeded in death by his lovely wife Margarita and survived by his daughter Rosa, and granddaughter Piper Vichcales of Roswell, GA, and son Hilario J Mata (Leticia Mata) and grandsons Diego and Lorenzo of Martinez, CA.
He enjoyed playing golf, traveling with Margarita, promoting volunteerism and meeting people. He will always be remembered for his warm smile and gentle spirit, sharp wit, love of family, commitment to the betterment of community, and action with purpose in life. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: the camaraderie of a good round of golf, spending time with family, helping the community in so many ways and the excitement of his grandkids future education plans.
A huge part of his life was spent in the service of others. He was involved with and served on the board of directors with the Contra Costa Volunteer Center for over 20 plus years with their holiday adopt-a-family program, many years with the Human Race program, delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels program, the Monument Crisis Center program, and the Mount Diablo Habitat for Humanity Chapter building houses.
He started and ran the Mexican American Golf Association scholarship program for over 15 years, raising money and awarding scholarships to bay area high school students.
He was involved with the Suscol Inter-Tribal Council of Napa, serving on the board of directors, chair of building committee, and involved with the planning and building of a Suscol House Project in Pope Valley. He took great pride in the project.
His legacy is one of love and a quiet generosity to the community and others, helping many individuals through tough times. He provided such a loving commitment to Margarita caring for her during her battle of a 6 year illness.
His legacy and generosity will live on even after his passing.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Suscol House Project in his name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Truly a great Man with a generous soul and benevolent spirit, those that new him were better for it. I will miss him very much.