Thomas Matola Phd

Thomas Matola PhD, age 82, of Grants Pass, died Thursday, May 2, 2013 at Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Private services will be held at a later date. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Thomas was born September 2, 1930 in Bronx, New York to Mike & Julia Matola. In 1954 he married Gertrude Baur of Augsburg, Germany. They raised their three children in San Jose California. Thomas worked as a Human Engineer for Lockheed; as a teacher; and a motivational speaker for the physically disabled. In 2006 he retired and moved from San Jose to Grants Pass.

Thomas enjoyed woodworking, gardening and wine tasting.

Thomas is survived by his two sons, Erich Matola of Colorado and Joseph Matola of Grants Pass; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Gertrude Baur Matola; two brothers, Mike Matola and John Matola and a daughter, Karin Matola.