Dr. Stephen A. Matarazzo, gastroenterologist

Dr. Stephen A. Matarazzo, 66, of Ambler, a gastroenterologist, died of complications from cancer on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at VNA Hospice in East Falls.

In 1976, Dr. Matarazzo founded the gastroenterology service at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where he practiced for 25 years. For the last decade, he had been a partner with Hillmont GI in Flourtown.

He was former chief of gastroenterology at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia and at Nazareth Hospital, where he was president of the medical staff from 1988 to 1990. He also was affiliated with Chestnut Hill Hospital and Abington Lansdale Hospital.

Dr. Matarazzo had already decided to become a gastroenterologist 45 years ago when he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. His own struggle with the illness made him very compassionate toward his patients, his wife, Mary Kathleen Whiteside Matarazzo, said.

He often lectured about the disease and in 1994 was named physician of the year by the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

Dr. Matarazzo was past president of the Delaware Valley Endoscopy Society and a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology.

A 1962 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, Dr. Matarazzo earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University and a medical degree from Hahnemann University Medical School, where he interned and served a residency in internal medicine. He then completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

He and his wife enjoyed winter vacations in Anguilla and summer vacations with family and friends at his home in Ocean City, N.J. He was a golf enthusiast until hurting his neck 11 years ago, his wife said.

He loved dining out, especially at Italian restaurants, she said. He spoke fluent Italian and toured Italy twice with his wife.

Besides his wife, Dr. Matarazzo is survived by son Stephen; daughter Michele; stepchildren Jeff and Jason Ziernicki; a brother; two sisters; and five grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Ciavarelli Family Funeral Home, 951 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Rd., North Wales. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.