Thomas Rich Matteson, Cape Cod native, Vietnam Veteran
Thomas Matteson of Bailey Island passed away at his home on July 8, 2012. Born on July 25, 1944 in Hyannis Massachusetts to the late Kenneth and Helen(Eldredge) Matteson, he was educated in the Chatham Mass. school system and was a 1962 graduate of Bristol County High School, and a 1965 graduate of the Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston Mass. He was a member of the Harwich Methodist Church and the Alpha Association of Viet-Nam veterans, serving on the Board. He was also on the Board of the Opportunity Enterprises Inc; of Auburn Maine.
Tom was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country in the Viet-Nam war from 1966-1967 and was presented the Bronze star and Purple Heart medals. He returned to Chatham and was a commercial fisherman from 1967 to 1990, and then moved to Bailey Island. In Maine he was employed at the Cook's Lobster House, Maguro Inc. and administrative in his sister Betsy's office for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents, a son Fred Matteson, and three brothers Kenneth, David, and Craig. Survivors include his daughter Joslin Matteson and two grandchildren Ian and Reagan of Clermont, Florida. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Mark Crowell of Litchfield, Maine and many nieces , nephews, cousins, and aunts. He also leaves behind his very special friends on Bailey Island who watched over him and took special care—Wendy, Inez, Diana,Pam,Bob, Betty, Steve, Brian, the Landreys, Peter, Hermie and the entire Coombs family---they were his family and he loved them so much.
One of Tom's many accomplishments in life was to host a reunion for those veterans he served with in Viet-Nam, and did so by hosting a lobster fest at Mackerel Cove, attended by vets coming in from all parts of the United States. He was also instrumental in maintaining the Bailey Island post office.
Tom wants to be remembered as a caring, compassionate and giving person. Full of wit and wisdom, he was never afraid to administer his words of advice on any subject to everyone he knew. He will be missed by all who enjoyed his company , his family and all of his friends on his beloved Bailey Island. May fair winds and following seas be with him in Heaven. He loved the sea and all the people who worked on it or lived around it.
At Tom's request there will be no services. Cremation is being conducted by Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick Maine. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
