Ralph Mata, age 70, formerly of East Chicago, passed away February 26, 2017.  Ralph is survived by his daughters: Angela (Gabriel) Rangel, Michelle (Pedro) Feliciano, Raquel (Ileana) Mata; son, Ralph Mata, Jr.;  grandchildren:  Stephanie (Alex) Feliciano-Bustos, Andrew (Alexis) Trevino, Marina Feliciano, Alissa Rangel, Pedro Feliciano, Jr., Gabriel Rangel, Jr., Jayda Mata, and Ariana Mata; great-grandson, Jordan Trevino; sisters:  Lupe (Tomas) Flores, Rosie (Refugio) Recio, Rita (Mario) Rodriguez, Marcella (late Billy) Stafford, Rebecca (Nico) Ballard, and Silvia (Jesse) Garza; brothers:  Joseph Mata, and David Mata; numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by father, Joe and mother, Gertrude Mata; and siblings: Raymond Mata, Louie Mata, Arthur “Harpo” Mata, and Dolores “Lolly” Schultz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary Church, 144th St. at Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago with Rev. Kevin McCarthy officiating.  Private interment.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am until the time of the Mass at 12:00 noon at the Church on Thursday.

Ralph retired from Inland Steel Co. with 19 years of service; an avid pool player and loved the 50’s and 60’s oldies music; a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears; enjoyed watching EWTN and praying the Rosary.  Ralph was dearly loved and will be missed by his family and friends.

 Service Information