From Peter McGough
Mike Matarazzo who died last night (August 16) was one of the most popular and likeable bodybuilders the sport has known. But his biggest fan was his father who came to see him compete at many shows. I can’t think of a more visible father-son relationship in bodybuilding.
MIKE MATARAZZO SR., died on Sunday, August 17, 2003 in Winchester, Massachusetts, at age 71 after a long illness. The elder Matarazzo, who was a Korean War veteran, but due to his illness had not been able to attend any of Mike’s contests since 1997, due to illness. I spoke with Mike Jr. via phone three days after his father's death, and what he told me, tells you a lot about his dad but also exemplifies what type of man Mike Jr. was.
"You'll never believe where I am at this moment. I'm in my father's den sitting at his desk, which has a stack of FLEX magazines on it. He used to flip through them all the time. He loved the sport. When I turned pro [by winning the 1991 NPC USA overall title], my career and bodybuilding became his main interest. He loved coming to the contests and talking to all the guys. He used to get a big kick by showing fans his calves [they were huge], and they'd take pictures of them. I'd just like to thank those fans, my fellow bodybuilders and all the people at shows for making him feel special every time he went to a contest. Thanks for including my father as part of a sport that I consider the best in the world.
"He was a father, big brother and best friend all rolled into one to me. When I first started lifting weights, a lot of people told me I was wasting my time, but my dad was incredibly supportive. He paid for my first year's membership at Galaxy Gym. He'd be constantly encouraging me, asking what my next contest was, how many photo shoots I had lined up, when my next article was coming out. He was my biggest fan and supporter. So all that is gone now, because we shared everything.
"My father had been ill for about 11 years and got progressively worse. He passed away in his sleep. My mother said that all the stress and pain that had been in his face for years was gone. He just looked relaxed--at peace. So I know he's now in a better place."
And now the son joins the father.
