Clayton E "Matt" Mathieson

Obituary of Clayton "Matt" E Mathieson
Clayton Earl "Matt" Mathieson, a devoted husband, proud father, and loving grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday night, July 25, 2025, at the age of 86.
Matt was the beloved child of Earl Clayton and Jewel Mathieson. He was born, raised, and educated in the scenic town of Escanaba, Michigan, along the beautiful shores of the Great Lakes. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy with dreams of seeing the world-and he did just that.
He proudly served aboard the USS Edisto (AGB-2), a Wind-class icebreaker that played a vital role in polar exploration and scientific research. Matt participated in historic Antarctic expeditions as part of Operation Deep Freeze and took part in several Arctic missions to support remote research installations. During one such expedition, he even tried to befriend a curious penguin-but unfortunately, Navy regulations wouldn't allow the little guy aboard.
It was while on Navy leave that Matt met the love of his life, Florence Thompson. He and a group of shipmates were strolling down Washington Street in Boston when they spotted a young woman in a red convertible. Matt was the lucky one who caught her eye, and the rest, as they say, is history. They were married at the First Baptist Church in Belmont while Matt was still in the service. After living in Waltham, the couple settled in Burlington in 1971, where they raised their two children and shared 67 years of joyful marriage.
After his military service, Matt found his calling as a highly skilled CNC machine operator and operations manager. He worked for Reece Corporation and later in specialty machining for the high-tech industry. His talents took him to North Carolina for two years, where he ran manufacturing operations with his signature precision and calm confidence. He was known for his sharp mind, steady hands, and ability to fix or figure out just about anything.
Matt brought that same thoughtful approach to everything he did. Whether he was working on a car, fixing something around the house, or helping a family member, friend, or neighbor with a deck project, he was always ready with his tool belt-and a smile. He loved nothing more than spending time outdoors on his lawn tractor, maintaining his perfectly manicured yard.
A passionate and disciplined golfer, Matt played the game with the kind of consistency others envied-often shooting in the high 70s and low 80s. His regular foursome included longtime friends Gerry Crocker, Jack Graham, and Jack O'Brien, and a host of other friends. He was often on the top of the leader board at charity golf tournaments. He and Florence loved to travel with friends, cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, and sunny spots like Aruba. Matt shared his love for golf with his son Clay and was thrilled to teach his grandchildren the game as soon as they could grip a club.
Above all, Matt was a family man. He and Florence created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. He coached baseball, cheered loudly from the stands, and made every vacation an adventure-whether it was a road trip through Canada on route to Michigan to see family and childhood friends, an early visit to Disney World, or camping under the stars. Summers were often spent at White Horse Beach in Plymouth, making memories that still bring smiles.
He treasured time with his family, especially during the holidays and special occasions when everyone was gathered together. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Little Gump" when they were young and "Grampy" as they grew older.
Matt truly lived a wonderful life. He explored the world, embraced every challenge, followed his passions, and, most importantly, was deeply loved by his family. His kindness, wisdom, and humor will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Matt was the beloved husband of Florence (Thompson Mathieson. He was the proud father of Saundra Norden & her husband Jay of Laconia, NH and Clayton Eral "Clay" Mathieson, II of Myrtle Beach, FL. He was the father-in-law of Denise Mathieson of Dracut. He was the proud grandfather of Jay Norden & his fiancée Michelle Caprille of Weare, Emma Norden of South Boston, Abbey Norden of Leominster, Jordan Mathieson & her husband Kurtis Wisniewski of Jeffersonville, VT, Alyssa Mathieson of Dracut, and CJ Mathieson of Dracut and adored uncle of Deb Whitney and her husband Peter of Limerick, ME
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Thursday, July 31 from 4 to 7pm. Graveside services will be held at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 52 Bedford Street, Burlington on Friday, August 1 at 11am.
Memorials in Matt's name may be made to the Shriner's Children's, www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/boston, attention Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394