Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Matson Obituary
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.
Memories and Condolences
for John Matson
Mike Mathieu
October 6, 2025
I can't believe that it's been 6 years since John's passing. I still miss him every time I drive by his old office at 45 Lyman Street but I have all the good memories to think on. He's in a better place now as one of God's children. Blessings to Ann and your entire family.
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
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in John Matson's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Matson
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources 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 John Matson'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
