Dec. 15, 1927 Nov. 27, 2014

Dr. Joseph M. Mattimore, a retired pediatrician and former chief of pediatrics at Mercy Hospital, died Thursday at Father Baker Manor in Orchard Park. He was 86.

Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Canisius High School, where he finished near the top of his class and was captain of the baseball team. He turned down an offer from the Boston Red Sox to play minor league baseball, and continued his education at Canisius College.

After earning his degree, he went on to the University of Buffalo Medical School, graduating at the age of 23. Dr. Mattimore completed his residency in pediatrics at Childrens Hospital. He then served as a captain in the U.S. Army, in the position of assistant chief of pediatrics at the U.S. Army Hospital in Fort Jackson, S.C.

Dr. Mattimore was board certified in pediatrics, immunology and allergy.

He was a founding member of Western New York Pediatrics in Hamburg, where he practiced for almost 40 years. During that period, he served as chief of pediatrics at Mercy Hospital for 34 years. He also was clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Buffalo Medical School.

Dr. Mattimore served as president of the Medical and Dental Staff of Childrens Hospital in 1974, president of the Buffalo Allergy Society, and was named Teacher of the Year by Mercy Hospital in 1983 and Pediatrician of the Year by the Buffalo Pediatric Society in 1989. He was inducted into the Canisius High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2000.

He was a longtime member of Wanakah Country Club, and enjoyed spending time during the winter months in Siesta Key, Fla. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Verna Blassey; four daughters, Anne Cronin, Mary Elizabeth, Carolyn Kezele, and Patricia Lewis; a sister, Mary Elwell; two brothers, Henry and Richard; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Earlier this year, a 12th grandchild, Natalie Lewis, died in a hot-air balloon crash.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road, Orchard Park.

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Dr. Joseph M. Mattimore, chief of pediatrics at Mercy Hospital