Paul Edward “Ragman” Matteucci, Jr.

Paul Edward “Ragman” Matteucci, Jr., 79, of Pittston Twp., passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. Born in Pittston, March 12, 1947, he was the son of the late Paul Edward Matteucci Sr. and Alba (Sebastianelli) Matteucci.

Paul attended high school in New Jersey before joining the United States Army in 1964. He served with the 1^st Cavalry Division during the battle of Ia Drang in South Vietnam in November 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1967. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. After returning from Vietnam, Paul worked locally in construction and owned and operated the West Wyoming Hotel on 8^th Street. He later retired from the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center after more than 20 years of employment. He was a member of Dupont VFW Post 4909, American Legion Post 607 in Avoca, and the Italian Education Circle in Pittston.

Paul had a lifelong love of cars. At age 13, he bought his first vehicle, a 1938 Dodge panel truck, from a junkyard and taught himself to drive in the woods. He later drag-raced his 1967 427 Chevelle in Englishtown, NJ, never losing a race with that car. He also enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. A talented mechanic and all-around handyman, Paul loved working on cars and spending time in his garage.

Paul was an avid hunter who cherished hunting with his son, Carl. He loved the outdoors, including hiking, mushroom picking, camping, and spending time in the woods. He treasured family vacations to the beach at Seaside Heights and time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as his beloved dog, Jude. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Paul is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan (Garrison) Matteucci; his children, Carl Matteucci and his wife, Mara, of Connecticut; Tara Weyman and her husband, Brett, of Connecticut; Melanie Campenni and her husband, Louis, of Pittston; Jessica Booth and her husband, Kevin, of Pittston; Jacqueline Solan and her husband, Rich, of Pittston; Jared Matteucci, of Arizona; and Rachel DiBiasi and her husband, Nicholas, of Shavertown.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Kelsey Vallieres, Gianna Matteucci, Nico Matteucci, Drew Weyman, Jeremy Weyman, Benjamin Weyman, J.C. Galonis, Gabriele Galonis, Hunter Booth, Logan Booth, Kallie Booth, Savannah Johnson, Naudia Solan, and Lola Solan; and nine great-grandchildren: Riley Vallieres, Brooks Weyman, Amelia Weyman, Aiden Weyman, Emma Weyman, Jeremy Weyman Jr., Mac Weyman, Bryson DeLaney, and Ryker Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Hutz. His brother-in-law, Raymond Hutz, preceded him in death.

A memorial service for Paul will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Kiesinger Funeral Services, 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with Pastor Stan Oschman of the Plaid Community Church in Jenkins Twp. officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be held at St. Rocco’s Cemetery, Pittston. The AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors.

Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com

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