Ricardo L. "Dito" Mata

75, of Cranston passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2023.  He was the beloved husband of Gloria “Chavica” L. (Gaitan) Mata for fifty-three years.

Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he was a son of the late Ricardo and Olga (Fabre) Mata. Dito emigrated to the United States in the early 1980’s to raise his family and give them opportunities he didn’t think they would have in Ecuador.  He was born in Ecuador but was a proud American.

Mr. Mata received a bachelor’s degree in engineering and worked for General Dynamics Electric Boat until the time of his death.

He loved all music genres from Latin to the Beatles and rock and roll to rap and hip hop.  Ricardo treasured his family and loved being behind the grill and making his famous ribs at family gatherings.

Besides his wife he leaves four children, Pia Mata O’Reilly and her husband Jonathan O’Reilly, Carla Mata-Soscia and her husband Brian Soscia, Ricardo Mata and his wife Erin Mata, Paul Mata and his niece Laila (Mata) Salcedo whom he happily welcomed into his home and family when she came to the United States to attend college. Dito was brother of Julio, Antonio, Mario, Olga, Marta, Francisco, Marcia and Alejandro Mata; six grandchildren, Patrick O’Reilly, Brian Soscia, II, Christian Soscia, Kiandra Mata Desenna, Ricardo J. Mata and Kennedi Mata and numerous and loved nieces and nephews in US and Ecuador. He was the brother of the late Alexandra Mata Fabre.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10am in St. Rocco Church, 927 Atwood Avenue, Johnston.  Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.