HUBBARD Ernest S. DeMatteo, 79, of Hubbard, died Wednesday evening, May 3, 2006, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was born July 2, 1926, in Franklin, PA, a son of Dominic and Leonora DiVirgilio DeMatteo and lived most of his life in Hubbard.

Mr. DeMatteo worked for the City of Hubbard for 31 years, retiring in 1982, having been the Hubbard police chief for 16 years. He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Francis J. Hughes Council 2070 and served as its Grand Knight for three terms. He was 4th degree Knight with the Girard Council 2935 and a member of the Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame.

He was a member of ITAM No. 28, Greenville, PA, Sons of Italy No. 875 Sharon, PA, a charter member of the Hubbard Optimist Club. Ernie was a member of TOHO Friends in Florida, vice president of the Terra Condos in Florida and a member of the Moose Lodge 2056 in Florida.

Ernie was a 1944 graduate of Hubbard High School and played on its undefeated football team. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.

He was a member of the F.O.P. of Ohio and the Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio. His police training included the Police Management School, Peace Officers School, Law Enforcement Training School, Liquor Control School and Ohio Highway Patrol School Training. Ernie served on the Hubbard Civil Service Board and founded the Hubbard Auxiliary Police.

He leaves his wife, the former Catherine "Kay" Marcone, whom he married on September 30, 1950; a daughter, Nancy L. (Thomas) Allen of Hubbard; a son, Ernest F. DeMatteo of Barberton, OH; two grandchildren, Eric Allen of Hubbard and Katie (William) Schramm of Streetsboro, OH and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, a brother, Joseph DeMatteo and a sister, Christine Perline, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, 8:00 a.m. at the Kelley-Robb Funeral Home and at 8:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard.

Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

To view this obituary and to send condolences to the family, please visit www.kelley-robb.com

---