August 4, 1937 – December 10, 2020
Robert “Bob” M. Matson, passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Winchester Hospital in Massachusetts.
Bob was born in Concord, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1937, to Matti and Mary Matson. He attended local schools, graduating from Maynard High School in 1955.
In keeping with family tradition, Bob joined the United States Army in 1956. After completing basic training, he served with the 10th Mountain Division as a light infantryman in Bamberg, Germany. Bob was on active duty for two years and then transitioned to the Army Reserve, where he concurrently worked for Raytheon Technologies. Bob retired from the reserves in 1962, after having achieved the rank of Sergeant (E5). He earned a Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge.
Bob left Raytheon to spend the next 20 years in the insurance and securities business, working for New York Life, Travelers, and Prudential. He was highly regarded and received numerous awards and accolades.
Bob stepped away from the insurance and securities industry to pursue a career working for city government organizations in the Greater Boston area. He worked for the Boston Fire Department, assisting the city’s first responders. Throughout his time working for the city he also kept himself busy as an independent contractor in property management from which he recently retired.
Serving the community was a central focus for Bob; he dedicated his time and talents to The Boys Club of America and the March of Dimes. He was honored by those organizations and received many awards and praise for his service. Bob also served in a leadership role with Waltham Jaycees. Political campaigns and neighborhood watch programs all benefited from Bob’s passion for his community.
Bob had an insatiable appetite for reading; he particularly loved reading news articles and financial periodicals. He found great joy in staying connected with his fellow veterans. He cherished time celebrating special occasions with family and traveled throughout the country to be present for family events. He had a passion for all local sports teams and enjoyed cheering on the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. His hobbies included collecting coins, maps, and stamps.
Bob held a special place in the hearts of many people. Bob’s sister, Mary Ann, said, “He truly blessed me in many ways, particularly in my running career. He was always supportive and a great encourager.” Bob was proud of his children and had his own way of showing it. He was dependable, generous, and a pillar in his community. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob is survived by his long-time companion, Judith Carlson, of Reading, MA; his sisters, Mary Ann Matson of Nashua, NH; and Joan (Matson) Willett and her husband Richard of Ludlow, VT; his sons, Rob Matson and his wife Elizabeth of Castle Pines, CO; Glenn Matson and his wife Stephanie of Las Vegas, NV; and his daughter, Elizabeth Van Vechten and her husband Brian of Castle Pines, CO; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Matti Matson, in 2013; his mother, Mary (Zelukiewicz) Matson, in 2006; and a grandson, Jacob Van Vechten, in 2019.
Due to the current restrictions, Bob’s visitation and burial at Glenwood Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bob’s name to an organization that he was devoted to: The Happy Crew (http:thehappycrew.org) or your preferred charitable organization.
