Michael John Matone

Michael John Matone, 66, formerly of Bethel Park and Baldwin Borough, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2021, after a long battle against early-onset dementia. A graduate from the University of Pittsburgh where he met and married his devoted wife of 42 years, Kristine Gress; loving father of Amanda Matone Ruszczyk (Jeff), Dr. Emily Matone, and Max Matone; treasured “Pop” to Zachary and Rebecca Ruszczyk. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Slezak (Muza, Matone) and father, Michael A. Matone. Survived by sisters Nancy Cooper (Matone, the late Randy), Patricia Timm (Slezak, Terry), brother Joseph Slezak (Jacqulyn), sisters Michelle Baich (Slezak, Dan), and Maryanne Garda (Slezak, Ron); aunts Carol Campbell (Muza, Al), Dorothy Potash, uncle Donald McFarland (late Theresa), close friend Dan Sweeney; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

A visionary consultant and software engineer, his software, Persuasion Systems, collated and analyzed the history of pricings for typesets, graphics, etc. that enabled over half the advertising agencies in Pittsburgh to standardize and better estimate ad costs. As his focus shifted to improving healthcare within his wheelhouse, he counseled and created firewalls that allowed hospitals and health systems to reach HIPAA compliance; he introduced mobile charting to the Pittsburgh region as a way to streamline orders, care, and treatment for visiting/home care nurses; and he pioneered learning modules and support tools specifically designed for preventing pressure ulcers.  

Michael enjoyed coaching his kids in baseball and travel soccer, listening to classical music and Frank Sinatra, playing chess as well as the piano for an audience. He loved babies, bike riding, bowling, and being well-groomed. He loved traveling to Europe and teaching his kids about their Italian heritage. He was most proud of his loving family…”to the world he was one, to his family he was the world” 

Anyone who knew Michael, knew he never took health for granted and firmly trusted science and medicine. For the health and safety of all, a memorial will be held at a later date and a virtual memorial has been created in his honor at GatheringUs.com for those who would like to offer tribute and share memories about Michael. In lieu of flowers, the family wish trees be planted in Michael’s name through arborday.org

Arrangements have been made with Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care with interment at Jefferson Memorial Mausoleum.