Support Becky, Max, and Violet during this difficult time

Benjamin Jay Mattern, born on May 7, 1983, in Buffalo, NY and passed away at home on June 12, 2025, in Hilton, NY, after a yearlong battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma grade 4). He was 42 years old at the time of his passing. Ben was the beloved husband of Rebekah (Becky) and the world’s greatest dad to Maximilian (Max) and Violet.

Ben was a shining light in the lives of all who got to know him. His life was one marked by love, generosity, a positive outlook, and a drive to find some fun or adventure in every day. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who got to know him. We ask that you remember him not just for his courageous battle with cancer, but for the way he lived, and for the way he enjoyed life.

Ben is survived by his loving wife, Rebekah Mattern and his beloved children, Max and Violet; his loving parents, Gerald Jr. (Jerry) and Mary; his sister Jillian (Daniel Reitano), and brother Ryan (Taisha), as well as his in-laws, James and Sara Chatelle, and brother and sister-in-law Rachel and Ryan Patterson. He absolutely adored his nieces, Arianna and Colette Reitano, Isabelle, Amaryllis and Penelope Mattern and Arya Patterson. Ben was the cherished grandson of Eleanor Allette and Gerald Sr. and Elaine Mattern. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him deeply. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Carol Chipman, grandfather, Michael Allette, and his aunt, Shelley Allette.

After his graduation from Brockport High School, Ben chose to pursue a career in masonry. He started out with an old pickup truck, some shovels and wheelbarrows, and an extremely strong work ethic. He expanded his business, Mattern Masonry, little by little and grew to become a well-respected mason in the Rochester area. Ben loved his crew like a second family.

Outside of his work, Ben was a faithful servant of Jehovah and enjoyed sharing his beliefs with others. He especially enjoyed the time he spent teaching Max and Violet about the Bible. He attended weekly meetings and counted those in his congregation among his lifelong friends.

Ben found great joy in music and wherever he went the music was on, whether in his truck, in the pool, at the cabin or on the job site. He also loved to cook and spent the winters learning new gourmet recipes to share with family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband to Becky since their marriage in 2008. His greatest joy, though, was being a dad. Ben spent almost all his free time with Max and Violet—hiking, swimming, throwing the football around, playing video games or building a fire in the outdoor kitchen.

Those who knew Ben will remember him for his infectious smile, his love for dad jokes, his strong faith, and his incredible work ethic. He had a rare gift for making others feel welcome in his home, always making sure friends and family were well-fed, comfortable and having a good time.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life to honor the life of Benjamin Jay Mattern with a time and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to:

https://gofund.me/1d1aefa2

The money raised will help support Becky and the kids as they continue to navigate life without Ben after a long and difficult year of his illness.