Virginius D. Mattia, M.D., 1923-1971
President, Hoffmann-LaRoche Incorporated
Dr. Virginius Dante Mattia lived in Nutley and rose to the highest executive leadership post at the pharmaceutical firm of Hoffman-LaRoche, in Nutley. Fondly remembered as “Barney” Dr. Mattia completed his B.S. in Science at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 1944. He worked his way through New York Medical College on the G.I. Bill of Rights, obtaining his M.D. degree in 1950. He served in two wars, in the United States Navy in World War II and as a Naval Medical Officer in the Korean War.
Dr. Mattia’s talents and leadership abilities became manifest through his meteoric advancement at Hoffman-LaRoche. In 1957, he was named Director of Medical Research and subsequently Division General Manager that same year. In 1961, he was advanced to Vice President for Marketing and three years later, in 1964, to Executive Vice President. In 1966, he became President and Chief Executive Officer. During his presidency, he was instrumental in establishing and constructing the prestigious Roche Institute of Molecular Biology in Nutley.
Dr. Mattia served as an associate editor of the Merck Manual, did research in cardiovascular diseases at St. Barnabas Hospital, and published numerous scientific articles in medical journals.
Dr. Mattia dedicated much energy to community functions. He served two terms as President of the Essex County Heart Association. He was President of the Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Institute. He served as Chairman of the National Alliance of Businessmen and Director of the Fidelity Union Trust Company and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association. Moreover, he served as a Trustee of the New Jersey Symphony and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He served on the New Jersey Board of High Education.
Dr. Mattia was the 1966 recipient of the Italia Gente Award of Seton Hall University, the 1969 recipient of the B’nai Brith International Humanitarian of the Year Award and the 1971 recipient, posthumously, of the Justice Louis D. Brandeis Humanitarian Award. In Nutley, he has been honored through the establishment of the prestigious Dr. Virginius D. Mattia Distinguished Community Service Award.
Sources: Nutley Hall of Fame, Panel of Judges and the 29th Anniversary Distinguished Community Service Award Program.