Funeral Services Set for Ferguson Library President Ernest DiMattia Jr.

From Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

Ernest A. DiMattia Jr. entered eternal rest on June 26 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 74.

He was born in Boston on Jan. 9, 1940, the eldest son of Ernest A. DiMattia Sr. and Teresa Zerella.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Smith DiMattia. He was the proud father of Brian John (Rebecca Daroff) of Boston, MA, and Amy Lauren of Watertown, MA. He also is survived by two brothers, Dr. Arthur DiMattia (Nike Booras) of Lynnfield, MA, and Robert DiMattia (Thea Quittilier) of Grand Rapids, MI and a niece,two nephews and their families.

He served as President of the Ferguson Library in Stamford, CT for almost 38 years. During that time he also served several organizations in Stamford and Connecticut. He was a Past District Governor of Rotary International and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the boards of the Stamford Center for the Arts, the World Affairs Forum, Stamford Symphony, the State Street Debating Society, Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, and the Stamford Police Foundation, among others. He was a member of the First County Bank Corporators and the Connecticut State Library Board.

He was a graduate of the Boston Latin School and received his undergraduate degree from Boston College. He held graduate degrees from Simmons College Graduate School of Information and Library Science and the Masters of Business Administration program of the University of Connecticut.

Teaching was a significant calling--he served on the adjunct faculties of Simmons College, Pratt Institute, and Rutgers University. He dedicated his time and talents to several elected and appointed positions in the American Library Association, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, and other professional associations.

In his spare time, he was an avid solver of puzzles and player of the piano. During his travels, he amassed a collection of eagles in all sizes and formats.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 403 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford. Burial will be private.

Visiting hours will be held, Sunday, June 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to The Ferguson Library, attention Development Office, 1 Public Library Plaza, Stamford, CT 06901.