Mathew J. Rote, 84, of Gowanda, died Feb. 28, 2005 at Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Gowanda.
     Mr. Rote served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946 during World War II. After his service in the Army, he worked at Ford in Buffalo for 20 years before retiring. He was best known for his hand-made button box accordions. Mr. Rote was a member of the Slovenian Club of Gowanda, American Legion Post 409 of Gowanda, S.N.P.J. and the Disabled Veterans Association.
     He was the husband of Frances (Comidor) Rote, and the late Violet (Widgay) Rote; son of the late Charles and Frances Rote; and brother of Ann Mack of Ohio, Frank Rote of Gowanda, and the late Charles Rote; also survived by one grandson, two great-grandsons, and several nieces and nephews.
     Arrangements were by the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., Gowanda.