Mansfield – John J. L. Matson, 75, of Mansfield and formerly of Westborough, passed away peacefully at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea on Oct. 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 and Sarah M. Gay and husband Matthew of Mansfield; two 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 U.S. 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 the 2012 Memorial Day parade.
He loved Westborough and served as Registrar of Voters, Finance Committee, Town Charter Commission, and Assistant Moderator. He was past chairman of the Republican Town Committee. After working as corporate counsel for Wyman Gordon and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, 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 to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.
