Former STMA Superintendent Mario DeMatteis Dies At 86

ST. MICHAEL, MN — Mario DeMatteis, a former longtime leader of the St. Michael-Albertville School District, died April 1 at the age of 86.

District officials called DeMatteis a “fierce advocate for students and staff” and said he “greatly contributed to our strong tradition of excellence” in a Facebook post.

DeMatteis was an educator and administrator within the district for more than 30 years.

He served as a teacher, coach and principal at Maynard High School from 1964 until 1969, when he was hired as principal at St. Michael High School. He held that role until he was named superintendent of the St. Michael-Albertville School District in 1981.

DeMatteis led the district as superintendent until 2002. He was inducted into the St. Michael-Albertville School District’s Hall of Fame in 2019, 50 years after he was first hired as principal.

“He tirelessly served STMA students, staff and families for 33 years,” district officials wrote on Facebook. “We wish the DeMatteis family peace and comfort in the coming days.”

“Mario loved his students and was especially proud of how they always represented the STMA School District with respect in all extra-curricular activities,” his obituary states.

DeMatteis, who was born in 1936 in Waynesburg, Ohio, joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school, according to his obituary.

He later attended Drake University, where he played basketball and baseball before graduating in 1963. He also earned degrees from South Dakota State University.

A memorial mass for DeMatteis is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, with visitation to start at 9 a.m., according to his obituary.

DeMatteis’ family is encouraging donations to the local St. Vincent de Paul organization or to a scholarship fund that will be set up for students at St. Michael-Albertville High School.