Mario "Mat"

Tavares

Mario A. Tavares, affectionately known as Mat, of Carlisle, passed away on Friday morning, November 6, 2026 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, following a valiant fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 88.

Born in Taunton on March 7, 1938, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Andrade) Tavares. Mat served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1957 to 1961, which included 13 months of isolated duty in Libya.

He was an Engineer, having completed his BS and MBA, spending the majority of his professional career at Raytheon, working at different facilities throughout the state.

Family was always number one with Mat. If anyone had a problem, he was always there for them ready to help. Mediating disagreements, a little loan to tide one over, moving his kids into college dorms; he did it all and sought nothing in return. Speaking of his children, Mat’s proudest moments were seeing his kids grow into well rounded, successful and most importantly, happy adults.

Post retirement, Mat delved deeply into his passion for automobilia. He dedicated hours driving and working on his beloved Lotus Seven roadster. Mat and Celia started Tavares Motorsport, their business centered around buying and selling automotive books and automotive art. Mat’s knowledge and devotion to the sport along with Celia’s creative input made Tavares Motorsport the premier destination for collectors.

He is survived by his wife, Celia (Lebel) Tavares, along with his son Mark Tavares and his wife Erin Haggerty, stepdaughter Rachel Isaacs and her husband Dean Nakamura and stepdaughter Stephanie Isaacs and her husband Brian Musich. He is also survived by a number of cousins, including Steve and Lori Rogers, Anne Sauerbier and Cindy Hathaway.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mat’s honor may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Care Dimensions.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.