Norman J. Mattice

Norman J. Mattice of Brewerton passed away in his loving wife’s arms after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on Wednesday, January 01 2025.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife Lisa; daughter; Tricia (Brian) Crowley; son; Michael (Tara) Mattice; stepson; Brett (Janelle) Wood; sister; Carol (Paul) Bednarz and 4 grandchildren including one special little granddaughter whom gave him his favorite title “Papa”.

He was predeceased by his parents; Herbert and Hazel Mattice; siblings; Marilyn, Herbert, Jr., William and Richard.

Norm graduated from Central Square High School in 1958 and shortly after he and two local friends established a band playing in several local spots, after SU games in sorority and fraternity houses, and as far away as Ithaca. Norm was the drummer and the band was known as “Frankie and the Fortunes”.

He also marched with the  Brewerton Volunteer Fire Department playing the drums in their drum and bugle corps band. 

He graduated from SUNY Brockport pursuing a career in elementary education in January 1968, and was a substitute teacher nearly every day after at the Junior High School in Central Square.

In May of 1968 he took a competitive written exam having scored well enough to earn an appointment with the Division of State Police as a Trooper. After successful completion of the academy one of his first assignments was the Liverpool barracks.

During his 30 and a half years as a trooper he would be assigned to many barracks including Pulaski, Hastings and North Syracuse.

In 1982 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 1983 he was promoted to criminal investigation and spent nearly 10 years as a BCI investigator assigned to Pulaski barracks.

After those years Norm chose to return to “uniform law” as a sergeant. He was reassigned to the North Syracuse substation where he was promoted to Sergeant/Station Commander. That substation was headquarters for Onondonga, Oswego and Jefferson Counties.

He was a recipient of eleven letters of commendation for excellence.

Despite Norm’s advancement on the job, he was never comfortable talking about his career. He “just hoped he had made a difference in someone else’s life.”

He was a respected colleague, devoted husband and a loving father.

He played and coached for many years on the local Martin’s Electric Softball team, a team known for winning many league championships.

Norm was an avid SU Fan, especially football having season tickets for over 50 years.

He was a member of the “Hookers & Slicers” golf league for 35 years also serving as their President.

Visitation will be held at Traub Funeral Home in Central Square on Friday, January 10 2025 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM, with a service to follow at 4:30PM. 

Contributions in Norm’s honor can be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue (7268 Caswell Ave, North Syracuse, NY 13212) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101-9929).

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