At 104 years old, the final surviving Second World War veteran from a regiment in Hamilton has passed away. Tony Mastromatteo, an honorary lance corporal with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was part of a Canadian Forces scout platoon known for its courageous actions.
Described as a member of an Italian Canadian family that made significant contributions to the community, Mastromatteo’s life story mirrors the experiences of immigrant families in Canada striving to establish themselves in a new society. His passing marks the end of a direct connection to the ‘Greatest Generation Ever,’ according to Argylls honorary colonel Glenn De Caire and commanding officer Lt.-Col. Sarbjit (Rene) Juneja.
Mastromatteo’s daughter, Laura LeMesurier, confirmed that her father passed away on October 5 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Despite the sadness of his passing, the family finds solace in the fact that he led a full life and was dearly loved by those who knew him.
Throughout his later years, Mastromatteo remained engaged with the regiment, attending Argyll parades and Remembrance Day ceremonies in Hamilton. Despite his age exceeding 100, he felt it was his duty to participate.
In a statement, De Caire and Juneja highlighted Mastromatteo’s loyalty and dedication, noting his involvement in an operation during which he was wounded in 1944. They recounted his commitment to attending events even in adverse weather conditions, showcasing his unwavering sense of duty.
Mastromatteo, who worked as a clerk at the Woodbine racetrack and later as a crossing guard in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood after the war, rarely spoke about his wartime experiences until the passing of his wife in 2017. His daughter described him as an ordinary man who rose to the occasion when needed.
Married to Mary, whom he met during his time in Nanaimo, B.C., Mastromatteo had three children and two grandchildren. His legacy as a humble yet courageous warrior in the Argylls’s wartime efforts will be remembered by many.
