Benefit Set for Sunday in Honor of Wantagh Family

Susan Bardolf of Levittown remembered her brother John as a determined, strong and sensitive man, one who always put his children first and fought for what he believed in. After watching her brother fight to his last breath in a five-year bout with cancer, Bardolf is fighting to make sure his children are safe and sound.

Detective Sgt. John Mateer of Wantagh, a decorated Nassau County Police Officer and first responder to the September 11 terrorist attacks, lost his battle with cancer last December at age 51, less than a decade after his wife, Carol, succumbed to the same disease. The Mateers, who grew up in Levittown before moving to Wantagh, are survived by their four children, Erin, 22, Brian, 19, John, 17 and Kelly, 16. The youngest two children are currently attending Wantagh High School.  

"It's an inconceivable thing," Bardolf said. "Everyone loses a parent, but to grow up without one and then lose the other, especially for the young ones who aren't out of high school, is just really devastating."

In efforts to raise money for the children's college fund, Bardolf and her family have set up a fundraiser at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall in Wantagh this Sunday. Beyond the monetary donations, Bardolf said a show of support is what's really important for her nieces and nephews.

"I want people to come and just show that they care," she explained. "I want people to share stories and special connections that they may not know people shared with their dad. I want them to hear stories that will make them happy."
"We really don't have a fundraising goal," she added. "It's whatever we can raise. These kids were his life and I want to continue what he wanted to do for them. I want to make sure they are all given the opportunity to go to school and be the people they are supposed to be."

Sunday's benefit will kick off at 2 p.m. with live music, an open bar, raffle prizes and a dinner buffet. For more information, contact Bardolf at newyorkmom@rocketmail.com.