Anthony Alexander (“Bucky”) Mattos, 94, of Bristol, R.I., passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 4, 2021. Son of the late Jose and Rosaria (Figuerede) Mattos, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Lorraine Mattos; his sister, Albertina Mattos; and his brother, Americus Mattos.

He is survived by his three children, Jane Centazzo and her husband Butch of Bristol, Cynthia Owens and her husband Richard of Virginia, and David Mattos of Bristol, as well as a grandson, Michael Hoffman, and a great-grandson, AJ Hoffman.

Bucky served in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard in World War II and was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Campaign Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

He was the Pattern Administrator for Bristol Manufacturing, Converse and PF Industries. Among his innovative shoe designs were the Boston Celtics’ “Bill Russell” basketball sneakers and a patented air lock expedition boot utilized by the U.S. Navy in Vietnam to prevent soldiers from sinking into mud.

His funeral services were held June 9 from the George Lima Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Burial with Military Honors followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to: Disabled American Veterans of RI, 1 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908.