Jose Luis Mato
March 10, 1951 - February 18, 2022
Jose Luis Mato (Joe), 70, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2022. He was at home in St. Johns, Florida, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on March 10, 1951, in Havana, Cuba, to the late Jose Luis Mato and Aurelia Erdozain Mato. The family came to the United States (Miami) in 1955. After graduating from high school and junior college, Joe attended FSU, becoming a lifelong Seminole fan.
After graduation, Joe began an illustrious 35-year career with the State of Florida Commission of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. He attended the FBI Academy for a portion of his training. After several different posts, he retired to Palm Harbor, Florida, in 2008 at the rank of Chief. He later moved to St Johns, Florida, to be closer to family.
In August 1982, Joe married the late Carol Ann Shickert. Joe and Carol loved the water and spent much of their spare time on the many lakes around Florida. Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter. They also loved to travel. After Carol’s passing, Joe reconnected with an old high school and college friend, Cheryl Hamilton Laskowski. With Cheryl, Joe continued to pursue his love of FSU sports and travel.
Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his daughter, Raquel (Jasen Horbay); and grandchildren, Matthew and Allison; son, Joseph (Kelsey); brother, Alex, and his children and grandchildren; and several other extended family members.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, 3 pm at Ponte Vedra Valley with a graveside committal service to follow immediately. A reception will be held, also at Ponte Vedra Valley, following the graveside committal.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Moffit Cancer Center.
