Melvin Mattson Obituary
He was born in 1926 to Swedish immigrants in Gardner, Massachusetts. The family moved to New York City, and he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1943, number 26 out of a class of 260. He went on to attend the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. His first trip to sea was in 1945 as an engineering cadet and, over the next few years, he made several more trips to sea as an assistant engineer on merchant ships. In 1948, he activated his commission as an ensign in the Navy Reserve and went on active duty as a division officer on the U.S.S. Juno.
He left the navy in 1950, married Joyce Wild in 1952, and received a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from George Washington University in 1954. In 1960, he began working at the Department of the Interior, where he became an expert on water desalination and reverse osmosis. He did a lot of job-related traveling throughout his entire career and retired from the government in 1984. For many years afterwards, he continued to work part time as a tax preparer for H and R Block, and later as a volunteer tax preparer through AARP. He was a dedicated runner since the 1970's and was regularly ranked as one of the top runners in his age group by the Washington Running Report.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2004. He is survived by a sister, seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 P.M. Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, where funeral services will be held 4:00 P.M. Thursday. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Hospice, 10530 Linden Lake Plaza, Suite 200, Manassas, Virginia 20109-6434 in loving memory of Melvin E. Mattson Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.
This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Bob Murphy
October 1, 2010
With deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Mr. Mattson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Melvin Mattson's name
People and places connected with Melvin
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Melvin's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Melvin Mattson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored