Hartford, N.Y.  – Joel N. Matte, 86, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, following a long illness.

He was born on September 10, 1938 in Whitehall, N.Y. the son of John and Anna (Young) Matte.

After graduating from Whitehall High School in Whitehall, N.Y. in 1955, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, retiring after 20 years of service. He served in Japan, Guam, England, Alabama, Vietnam, Germany, Turkey and Maine. He was awarded the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while in battle.

Following his retirement from military service, Joel was employed as Director of Operations for Davis Publications Co. in California, and a general contractor in California before moving back to Whitehall in 1981.  There he was employed as the Federal Housing Commissioner for 10 years in Whitehall, N.Y. Paris, KY. and in Florida.

Joel enjoyed hang gliding, snow skiing, martial arts, dancing and fishing. But most of all, he enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren and family.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 1653 in Granville, N.Y., Wounded Worrier Foundation, Vietnam Veterans Association, and the Purple Hearts of America Organization.

Joel and his wife, Linda (Cooper) Matte were united in marriage on January 9, 1982.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his five brothers, Paul, Mark, and John Matte, Earl Matte, Carl Matte, Owen Matte, and one sister, Joan Wheeler.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Matte of Hartford, his children, Colby Lee Matte of Woodland, CA., R. Craig Matte, (Christine) of York, S.C., SuAnn Miller (George) Miller of Hartford, N.Y. and Nicholas Cooper of Cape Coral, Fla., his grandchildren; Vihn, Jaden, Gloria, and Edward Matte, Logan and Lauren Miller, Joel, Nicholas and Megan Cooper, and one great-granddaughter, Magnolia Cooper. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Whitehall United Methodist Church, 56 Greenmount Cemetery Lane, Whitehall, with Rev. Debbie Earthrowl officiating. Military services will follow the funeral service at the church with the Granville V.F.W. Post # 1653 assisted by the Whitehall American Legion Post #83.  Calling hours will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the services at the church.

Committal services will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville with full military services assisted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard at 11:30am on Friday, October 17, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Joel's memory to the Adirondack Vets House, Inc. for Homeless Veterans, 26 Pine Street, Glens Falls, N.Y.  12801.

To leave and online condolence or to order flowers, please visit: angiolillofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Michael G. Angiolillo Funeral Home, 210 Broadway, Whitehall, N.Y.  12887.