The Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau paid tribute to the matriarch of Pocono Raceway, Dr. Rose Mattioli, who died Tuesday.

Dr. Rose helped establish Pocono Raceway as a world-class motorsports venue. She supported countless charitable causes and was devoted to family, especially her late husband Dr. Joseph “Doc” Mattioli.

“Dr. Rose was the heart and soul of Pocono Raceway for over 50 years. She would often tell us, ‘I love Pocono and auto racing more than Doc,’ and we believed her. While Doc moved the mountains, Rose moved your spirit. Dr. Rose’s contributions to motorsports and her philanthropic efforts will always live in a class of their own,” read a statement from the Mattioli and Igdalsky families.

The Mattiolis worked side-by-side to grow the raceway at Long Pond to what it is today; a welcoming, family-operated source of pride for the Pocono Mountains. Dr. Rose Mattioli played a vital role in changing the culture, which had not allowed women into race garage areas. Doc and Dr. Rose have left a legacy of philanthropy and success that has forever changed our community for the better.

“She was the first lady of Pocono Raceway and her family is continuing her desire to give back to the area and its people,” said longtime former Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau President/CEO Bob Uguccioni.

“The Pocono Mountains are forever grateful for all that Dr. Rose did for the community over her lifetime,” said current Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau President/CEO Chris Barrett. “Our deepest condolences go to the Mattioli and Igdalsky families and the Pocono Raceway family.”

Mattioli is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services for Dr. Rose Mattioli will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations be sent to any charity of the donors’ choosing.