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Sprint Cup
CUP: Pocono Raceway Founder Mattioli Dead
Dr. Joseph Mattioli founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960s...
The late Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway founder and chairman of the board, left a lasting legacy. (Photo: Pocono Raceway)
Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Pocono Raceway founder and chairman of the board, passed away Thursday at Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness.
He was 86.
“Doc,” as he was known to friends and associates, was one of the most respected and admired men in automobile racing. He founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960s and has been at the helm of Pocono ever since. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.
His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the only remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. He was always concerned that race fans and race car drivers and their families were treated with the utmost respect and constantly upgraded procedures and Raceway facilities to meet that goal. He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport.
He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. At age 83, Mattioli spearheaded an ambitious solar energy project. He built a three megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system on 25 acres at Pocono Raceway. It is the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility, making Pocono Raceway a leader in the renewable energy and environmental fields.
Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He served in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his soon to be wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.
Mattioli is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dr. Rose, daughters Louie and Michele and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void in the NASCAR community and especially to his family and extended “Pocono Raceway” family.
Arrangements For Dr. Joseph Mattioli
Viewing
Pocono Community Church, Route 611, Mount Pocono, Pa.
Sunday - January 29, 2012; 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Monday - January 30, 2012; 10 am to Noon
Funeral
1:30 pm Mass of Catholic Burial
St. Peter the Fisherman Roman Catholic Church
2111 Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, Pa.
Private entombment at the convenience of the family
* In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The NASCAR Foundation, Attention: Dr. Joseph Mattioli Memorial Fund, 550 South Caldwell Street, Charlotte, N.C., 28202
He was 86.
“Doc,” as he was known to friends and associates, was one of the most respected and admired men in automobile racing. He founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960s and has been at the helm of Pocono ever since. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.
His passion and drive helped Pocono Raceway succeed when other tracks fell by the wayside. Pocono Raceway is the only remaining family owned and run track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. He was always concerned that race fans and race car drivers and their families were treated with the utmost respect and constantly upgraded procedures and Raceway facilities to meet that goal. He kept his fingers on the pulse of stock car racing and read everything printed concerning the sport.
He was in the office daily, until last fall, and oversaw all aspects of the Pocono Raceway operations. At age 83, Mattioli spearheaded an ambitious solar energy project. He built a three megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system on 25 acres at Pocono Raceway. It is the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility, making Pocono Raceway a leader in the renewable energy and environmental fields.
Mattioli was also well respected in the community. In 2009, he received the Philanthropic Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for his generous and continuous contributions to local civic organizations, hospitals, schools and charities. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations and was dedicated to improving the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
He served in the Pacific during World War Two as a Navy medic. Using the G.I. bill, he enrolled in the dentistry program at Temple University (where he met his soon to be wife, Rose.) Upon graduation, he developed his dental practice into a very lucrative business by working 12 to 14 hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week. He then began investing in and developing properties in Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania where he became involved in the start up of Pocono Raceway.
Mattioli is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dr. Rose, daughters Louie and Michele and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His passing leaves a void in the NASCAR community and especially to his family and extended “Pocono Raceway” family.
Arrangements For Dr. Joseph Mattioli
Viewing
Pocono Community Church, Route 611, Mount Pocono, Pa.
Sunday - January 29, 2012; 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Monday - January 30, 2012; 10 am to Noon
Funeral
1:30 pm Mass of Catholic Burial
St. Peter the Fisherman Roman Catholic Church
2111 Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, Pa.
Private entombment at the convenience of the family
* In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The NASCAR Foundation, Attention: Dr. Joseph Mattioli Memorial Fund, 550 South Caldwell Street, Charlotte, N.C., 28202
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