Dominick John Matranga

Dominick John Matranga, husband, father, grandfather, attorney, judge, and friend passed away suddenly on February 1, 2023 at the age of 86 years. Born June 27, 1936 to Dominick and Ave Maria Matranga, he was educated in the schools of the Mobile Archdiocese graduating from McGill Institute in 1954. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps, remaining active throughout his life with the local Marine Corps League. Meeting his wife of 58 years on the campus of the University of Alabama, he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Alabama School of Law. This was the beginning of 57 years of serving mankind from days of private law practice at firms with his brother, Joseph Matranga, and finally, the law firm of Hicks, Matranga and Hambright, with his son-in-law, the late Charlie Hicks. In 1977, when the United States Judicial System began in Alabama, he was elected as the first District Court Judge for Place 4. From the judicial bench, he mentored many young lawyers who tried their first cases in his courtroom, where each found wisdom by his example and encouragement through his belief in the judicial system. As Presiding Judge of the Mobile District Court, he served with integrity, fairness, humility, and patience, offering a pleasant judicial treatment to all parties of the court, putting each at ease with utmost respect. He retired as District Judge in 1997, but continued to assist as a sitting supernumerary judge to aid the cause of justice. Throughout his career he was a member of the Alabama and Mobile County Bar Associations and the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Years of pro bono work serving our community continued to bring joy to his generous heart.

He and his soulmate Mary Jo shared a rich life rooted by their faith in God. Their Catholic faith blessed the parishes of many churches, with special service and support to St. Edmund by the Sea and St. Ignatius Catholic Church. True believers in the gospel, they shared their homes in Mobile and on Dauphin Island just as Christ taught in the blessing of loaves and fishes. The closer they came to God, the stronger their love increased. Dominick was bold in his faith and in his unconditional love for his wife and two children, Dominique Matranga Hicks and Christopher Matranga.

Dominick Matranga received gifts of the spirit, joining his mind and heart into an equation of remarkable wisdom. He was humble and graced with love, joy, and peace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joseph and Matthew, and son-in-law Charlie Hicks. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jo, children Christopher Matranga and Dominique Matranga Hicks, grandchildren Evelyn and Andrew Hicks, Charles Matranga and fiance Dr. Molly Magrath, David Matranga and wife Abagail, his sister Marie Matranga Ashdown, beloved nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. A visitation will take place in the old church at 9:45 a.m. followed by remarks in the church at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mcgill-Toolen Catholic High School 1501 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36604, Little Sisters of the Poor 1655 McGill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604, and Victory Health Partners 3750 Professional Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36609.