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Anthony Matson Obituary
Anthony Phillip "Tony" Matson passed into God's arms on Dec. 17, 2009. The son of Greek immigrants, Mr. Matson was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1931.
He grew up to attend Columbia University and played baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He married the love of his life, JoAnne "Penny" Matson, in Vero Beach, during the Dodgers spring training. He was drafted into the military shortly thereafter, and after serving in the U.S. Army, he taught school in the Duval County School District before opening a successful group of Jacksonville restaurants, Tony's Pizza King and Dial-A-Pizza. He also started several successful businesses in the Bahamas.
After retiring in his 40s, he traveled the world with JoAnne by his side and lived in St. Augustine since 1983. He will be forever remembered as a talented entrepreneur, a generous friend and, most of all, a loving father and husband. His sharp wit and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, JoAnne (Penny) Christenson; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark (Jill) Matson, of Gainesville, and Stephen (Lynne) Matson, of Jacksonville; and six grandchildren, Kerri, Blake, Caden, Christian, Davis and Cooper Matson. He joins his son, Anthony Matson Jr., who predeceased him.
Private family services are planned, and a celebration of his beautiful life will be announced later.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Matson
Antoinette Matson
January 14, 2010
The world will seem
a lot less interesting
without you in it I'm sure.
How could I have known
when I looked for you,
you were already gone?
No word can really comfort.
But please know,
my deepest prayers and wishes
are with you.
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
December 21, 2009
Mr. Matson........
The person who always made me feel so special, no matter how terrible life was going or how bad I felt, you always made me feel wonderful.
Your Spanish and french when I walked in the door and you noticing when I looked nice [even when I did'nt] will always stay with me. You cheered up my world these last 18 yrs.
Those up in heaven will be blessed by your presence, but know that those you left behind will miss you terribly
Love Flo
Vince Santostefano
December 21, 2009
Dear Penny, Mark and Stephen,
We will miss Tony with that great smile and sense of humor. We have many fond memories of all of us over the years.We look forward to seeing all of you soon. Our sincere sympathy. Ann & Vince
Mary and Eddie Morafates
December 20, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Andrew Morafates
December 20, 2009
Dear Penny, Mark, Stephen,
Please accept my deepest sorry for your loss. Tony will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. Heaven is now a better place
Coach Hulihan
December 20, 2009
Mark
I was sorry to read in the paper this morning about the passing of your Father. I lost my Dad when I was 16,and I know you realize how fortunate you were to have him as long as you did. I hope that you and your family are well.
Marcia Fraed
December 20, 2009
Dear Penny,
I don't know if you will remember me, but I want to let you know that you are in my prayers. George and I met you many years ago on a trip to Las Vegas. It was my first one and you, Louise Abood and myself were stuck in the New orleans Airport. You saved our lived by getting us vouchers for everything. I will never forget it. I lost my George in March of 2009. Take care.
Blessings,
Marcia Fraed
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