Matthew M. DeLeo, 88, of 847 Hope St., Bristol, RI passed away Saturday, August 22nd with his loving family by his side. Born on July 26, 1938, in Naugatuck, CT, to Matteo and Mary (Riccio) DeLeo, the family returned to Bristol in 1941, where he remained for the rest of his life. He was a 1956 graduate of Colt Memorial High School where he played basketball and baseball, he also attended Providence College. He fostered meaningful lifetime relationships with many of his classmates and was well known for his laughter and camaraderie.

Matt worked for the State of RI DOT for over 12 years as a highway inspector and surveyor. In 1975, he opened Matt DeLeo's Breakfast House, a beloved establishment in Seekonk, MA where he served patrons with warmth and humor for over 40 years until his retirement. This would be the cornerstone of his identity where he offered his 62 cent breakfast and his famous homefries. He retired as an E7 from the RI National Guard and Reserves where he served for over 20 years. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Bristol.

He loved spending time on the course at Crestwood Country Club where he would show his competitive and good natured spirit with his golfing buddies. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox with a special affinity for Ted Williams. Matt and Gigi enjoyed laughing and sharing coffee with many Bristol friends. Their love of hosting and cooking family recipes always brought them so much joy and happiness. He cherished his vacation time in Hilton Head and their snowbird years in Palm Beach Gardens, where they created many memories hosting their family. He will be missed by many. Matt leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. His spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The joy of his life was the love of his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gilda "Gigi" (Cavallaro Mastriano) who he was married to for 29 years. He leaves his children Matthew DeLeo Jr. (Kim), Mary Beth DeLeo, Elizabeth Miller (Doug), Allison Ethier (Peter), Michael DeLeo (Lisa). He was also the stepfather of Edward Mastriano (Josh), Steven Mastriano (Amy), and Paula Morrissette (Brian). Matt has 17 grandchildren who were the light and pride of his life, Lauren (Chris), Jules (Kate), Kailin, Joseph, Meaghan (Chris), Mikaela, Gabby, Michael, Matthew, Mia (Adam), Ben, Christopher, Steven, Becca, Brent, Cole (Goldie), and Ben (Lexie). He was predeceased by his brother, Frank DeLeo and is survived by his sister-in-law Joey DeLeo and his youngest brother, Michael DeLeo (Bonnie). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At his request, visitation has been respectfully omitted.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, RI at 11:00 a.m. on September 4, 2026.

Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery on Chestnut St., Bristol, RI.

The family will greet attendees at the conclusion of the graveside service or during their time of fellowship at a location to be announced.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Dawn Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Courtney and Celia from Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice for their dedication and compassion while caring for Matt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809. (401) 253-7110