John Matson Obituary

John J. L. Matson, 75

Westborough - John J. L. Matson, 75, of Mansfield and formerly of Westborough, passed away peacefully at the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea on October 6, 2019, his 51st wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Ann (Huckins) Matson following a long battle with Alzheimer's.

He will be remembered mostly as a kind and caring husband, father and grandfather whose smile and laugh were infectious. He was happiest playing with his grandchildren and travelling with family. He could be found at home reading his newspaper or cheering on the Red Sox or Patriots. Proud of his Finnish heritage he travelled to family birth sites in 1997.

In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by his children, Scott L. Matson and wife Jennifer of Everett; Sarah M. Gay and husband Matthew of Mansfield; 2 grandchildren Grace and Garrett Gay; a sister Judith Musgrove of Lunenburg and nephews.

Born in Worcester, he was the son to the late Kaino and Lahja (Lampi) Matson. Raised in Fitchburg he is a graduate of Fitchburg High School 1961, Tufts University 1965, Suffolk Law School 1971 and George Washington University 1973.

A US Army Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, John was an active member of Westborough American Legion Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was honored to be Grand Marshall of 2012 Memorial Day parade.

He loved Westborough and served as Registrar of Voters, Finance Committee, town Charter Commission, Assistant Moderator. He is past chairman of the Republican Town Committee. After working as corporate counsel for Wyman Gordon and Associated Industries of MA, John had a private law practice in Westborough for 25 years.

A burial will take place privately at a later date.

Gifts of remembrance may be made to the Soldiers' Home, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150, ATTN: Superintendent's Office or Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham MA 02452.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.

www.westboroughfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Matson

6 Entries

Michael Mathieu

May 10, 2021

I really miss John as we had many real estate dealings together for over 30 years. He was a very smart and honest lawyer who I respected and enjoyed working with very much. We worked very well together closing many challenging sales. He also gave me lots of good legal advice over the years as he knew the law well. We became good friends over all that time and stayed in touch until he moved out of Westborough to be closer to his family. I miss John and I think of him often. I Ann and her family my best. Mike Mathieu

Larry Kivimaki

February 17, 2020

I remember John from the Finnish community of Fitchburg. He graduated 3 years after me from both FHS and Tufts. He was as pleasant a person as I can recall. We all enjoyed pick-up baseball. Many years later we crossed paths as he contemplated running for State office and I posted his sign. Wonderful memories of times past. Best wishes and condolences to the entire family, and I know you have great memories of John.

October 23, 2019

Dear Ann and Family, so sorry to hear about John. He was a good man who always smiled and gave a wave when he saw us. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Eric & Tawnya Johnson

Sandy Rivett

October 19, 2019

So sorry Ann, Scott and Sarah for the passing of your husband/ dad.
He was a bright light in my life. Our Finnish talks were the best!

Michael John McCann

October 10, 2019

To his family, I am sad to hear. He was a good person. He made a difference. Nice man. May he travel safely.

Christine MacKenzie

October 10, 2019

Dear Ann:
So sorry to hear of John's passing....thankful for his life & leadership in Westborough and sending condolences to all of the family....God be with you always...
Chris

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