Dr. Joseph S. Matala Jr.,awidely known Buffalo obstetrician who delivered more than 10,000 babies during his career, died Saturday. He was 80.

A native of Buffalo’s Black Rock section, he became one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in the United States at age 15 in 1946.

He graduated in 1949 from St. John Kanty Preparatory School in Erie, Pa., and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Buffalo. He completed medical school in 1960 at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Matala completed his post-graduate medical education at E. J. Meyer Memorial Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

He served as a lieutenant in the Navy, with additional medical training in Philadelphia.

Dr. Matala returned to Buffalo in 1961 and practiced medicine in the region for more than 30 years.

The Ampol Eagle presented him its Citizen of the Year Award for Medicine in 1980.

He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Survivors include his wife, the former Elaine Aszkler, and four daughters, Nadine Matala- Kowalski, Dr. Maria Matala Sullivan, Michele Matala and Dr. Kara Lee Matala Anstey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 4220 Seneca St., West Seneca.