Arnold Mattson

Arnold Mattson, 101, of Deale and previously of N.Y., died Feb. 18 at home after a brief illness.
Mr. Mattson was born Feb. 24, 1907, in Asarum in southern Sweden. He was the third born of 12 children. He came to the U.S. at the age of 18 in 1925.
He settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. and entered the painting trade. He moved to Staten Island, N.Y. in 1939 where he started his own painting and decorating business, specializing in residential work. He gradually retired in the years after 1974. He moved to Md. in 2006.
He was a World War II veteran. He served in the army 4th Air Force on the west coast from 1942-45.
He was an active member of the Oakwood Heights Community Church.
He was a fine amateur artist and his paintings hang in the homes of many family members and friends. He was an avid gardener, filling every corner of his yards with flowers. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, bowling, fishing and especially horse racing. He enjoyed life fully and in the present, and was not one to be nostalgic about a better past.
He celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends from near and far, 13 of whom made the trip from Sweden.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, the former Ruth Faux, who died in 2003.
Survivors include one son, Peter Mattson of Elizaville, N.Y.; one daughter, Lisa Schnurr of Deale; one grandson, Steven Mattson of Waxhaw, N.C.; two granddaughters, Lauren Smith of Greece, N.Y. and Jessica Schnurr of Rochester, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren; nine nieces and nephews in this country; and 19 nieces and nephews in Sweden.
Services will be private. Arrangements by Hardesty Funeral Home in Galesville.
Donations may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 450 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.