Dr. Rose Mattioli, Pocono Raceway Matriarch, Passes Away At 92

Image
Dr. Rose Mattioli, the matriarch of the Mattioli family and Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, passed away at her home surrounded by family on Monday, June 29. She was 92 years old.

Dr. Mattioli and her late husband Dr. Joseph ‘Doc’ Mattioli co-founded Pocono Raceway in 1968, which remains a family-owned-and-operated business headed by Nick Igdalsky, track CEO and grandson of the founders.

“Dr. Rose was the heart and soul of Pocono Raceway for over 50 years. She would often tell us, ‘I love Pocono and auto racing more than Doc,’ and we believed her. While Doc moved the mountains, Rose moved your spirit... She played a vital role in allowing women into auto racing garage areas during an era where they were otherwise unwelcome. Additionally, Dr. Rose and Doc gave back to the community, often anonymously and without hesitation,” a statement from the Mattioli and Igdalsky Families said. “Her passing has motivated us to remain steadfast, now more than ever, to never waiver from Rose and Doc’s commitment of always doing right by our Pocono Raceway family, our fans, our local community, and the auto racing industry. While we will miss her, we take comfort in knowing Rose and Doc are reunited and that their legacy will live on forever.”

In honor of Dr. Mattioli's dedication, commitment, and passion, Pocono Raceway launched its first all-women initiative in 2017. Continuing the Mattioli spirit of community, philanthropy, and service, the Rose Pedals initiative has provided volunteer assistance in areas of need, including Meals on Wheels, the Women’s Resource Center, Family Promise of Monroe County and Operation Touch of Home, and more agencies and organizations.

Services for Dr. Mattioli will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations to be sent to any charity of the donors’ choosing.

For more information about the Mattioli family, visit the Pocono Raceway website here.

Photo courtesy of Pocono Raceway

Stay Connected

Sign Up For The PRI eNewsletter to get the latest in racing industry news, special events, new product information and more directly to your inbox.

Stay Connected

Sign Up For The PRI eNewsletter to get the latest in racing industry news, special events, new product information and more directly to your inbox.