James C. “Matty” Marris

Matty was always a man in motion. Even at age 80 he could be found climbing ladders to clean windows or walking two miles a day. Actually it was brisker than a walk so he called it wogging. Matty had a lifelong love of sports and knew every stat. He was one of the Charter Members of the Athletic Club in Beverly and played baseball in the Riverfront League till he was 43. His attention then shifted to golf. He enjoyed it as much as baseball but could do it with his wife. As in all of his endeavors he took the time to figure out the correct way to play: 150 down the middle was better than 300 in the woods. If it swam he tried to catch it but it was mostly an excuse to spend time with his family. He turned all his grandkids into anglers and his wife never had to touch a worm or fish. But he thought all his time with the grandkids was great: he taught them to swim, dive and golf and he did every ride in Disney. When he’d return from vacation he’d immediately get back on the computer to start planning the next. Most of the time he was scouting out restaurants and attractions that he thought his friends would enjoy. His earlier years found him working many a job as a millwright, from U.S. Steel to Fairless to Gold Bond Gypsum. But his last job as a crossing guard was probably his favorite; he always loved kids.rnrn rnrnA young Matty would catch the eye of one of his friend’s sisters. It wasn’t long till he and Anita “Neen” would marry. Loving each other was their secret to a 55 year union which was blessed by 4 children: Jim Jr., Bill (Diane), Tom (Brenda) and Linda (Mike) Lallo; 6 grandchildren: Will (Nicole), Chris (Jess), Melissa (Pete), Nick, Tommy and Nicole and 1 great-grandchild, Aiden. rnrn rnrnCome celebrate 80 easy going years Saturday 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 478 Cooper Street, Beverly where there will be a 1 p.m. service. Matty supported his son and nephew in the fight against lung cancer. Donations in lieu of flowers to P.A. Lung Cancer Partnership – Team Willpower, 1528 Walnut St., Suite 910, Philadelphia, PA 19102 will help his effort.