Aurelio "Junior" Mata passed away peacefully on June 8, 2022 in Austin, Tex., with the love of his family surrounding him. He was 97 years young.

Junior was born on March 15, 1925 in Del Valle, Texas to Aurelio and Rosa Mata. He met the love of his life and best friend, Jacinta, in primary school. They knew early on they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together and married in 1946. They enjoyed a wonderful 75 year marriage, raising five children that led to a Mata dynasty.

Junior loved to garden and kept an impeccable lawn that was the envy of all of his neighbors. Every Christmas he decorated his home with an elaborate light display that was often featured on local news stations. He climbed the roof of his home to hang up holiday lights until he was 88.

Junior was a dedicated employee of the Austin Independent School District and retired after a 26 year career as a head custodian.

He and his wife were avid, and lucky, bingo players. He enjoyed dancing, Tejano music, cowboy western movies, and hosting his big family for holidays and celebrations. His signature scent was English Leather and he took pride in being a snappy dresser.

Junior lived a good life, he was a kind person, and he was deeply loved by his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Aurelio and Rosa Mata; his sisters Georgia Hipolito and Martina Velasquez, and his brothers Manuel and Pete Mata.

Junior is survived by his loving wife, Jacinta Mata; his children Frances Botello, Felix Mata (Bertha), Sonny Mata (Stella), Henry Mata (Phyllis) and Mary Torres (Joe); his brothers Joe (Anita), sisters Eloisa Murillo and Lupe Reedy; 15 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family would like to recognize Dr. Amy Easterling and Hospice Austin for their support and care of Junior towards the end of his long, impactful life.

The family will receive friends at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at St. Peter Apostle Church, 4600 E. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery at 3650 S. IH-35 in Austin.