Matthew Pantera

Dr. Matthew John Pantera III, “Doc,” a devoted husband of the late Patricia Pantera, father, grandfather, professor and coach, passed away on Oct. 31, 2025, at the age of 75. He spent his final days at Waterview Lodge in Ashland, surrounded by family and the care and support of those around him, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Buffalo, New York, on July 31, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, and they spent 49 years of wedded bliss living in and around Boston. He played football and got his Ph.D. from Boston University. Doc went on to become a pillar in his community as he started his career leading the Parks and Recreation departments in Weston and Brookline, and by inspiring countless students as a professor at Springfield College.

Doc’s love for sports was contagious, and he spent years coaching youth teams and cheering on the New England Patriots. He was selected as Fan of the Year for the Patriots in 2014. He cherished time spent near the water and enjoyed his beach retreats in St. Augustine, Florida, and at Lake Erie in Buffalo. His family was the center of his world, and he delighted in every moment spent with them.

Doc is lovingly remembered by his children, Mary Vitelli and her husband, Joe, and their children, Tobin, Emma, Jocelyn and Brianna along with great-grandson Mason of Milford; son Matthew Pantera and his wife, Candice, and their sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Jack of Hopkinton; and son John Pantera and his children, Julia, Maria and Robert of East Longmeadow. He also is survived by his siblings, Michael Pantera, Martha Calabrese, Mary Aloisio, Meg Pantera and Margie Pantera, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Doc’s life will be held at Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin on Monday, Nov. 10, from 3-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., followed by burial at St. Mary’s parish cemetery.

In honor of Doc’s memory, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

As Doc always said: “Remember to keep smiling!”

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