Gerald R. Matteson

Jerry was born on September 27, 1927, in Westerly, RI, to the late Roy Matteson and Esther (Smith) Edwards. He graduated from Westerly High School having played baseball and football there. Jerry served in the US Army during both WWII and Korea and would speak of the time he spent helping the nuns at the Star of the Sea orphanage while serving in Korea. Some years after returning from overseas, he moved to Waterville, NY, to begin working for Bendix as a model maker from which he retired in 1992 after more than 30 years of service. On October 10, 1965, he married Lynne Tuttle in Waterville, NY, and they were married until her death on April 13, 2022.

Jerry spent many years working on race cars and traveling to events with Bud Hinman. He and Lynne enjoyed several summers of camping along the Schroon River near Lake George making many friends along the way. Jerry was a member of the American Legion Clonan Post 1000 in Chadwicks, as well as the Masonic Western Star Lodge #15 in Bridgewater. He actively served his communities as a volunteer firefighter in both Waterville and Bridgewater and was past president of the Bridgewater Fire Company.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Lynne M. Matteson as well as his brothers Roy C. Matteson and Arthur B. Matteson.

Jerry is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Donald Wright, Fuquay Varina, NC and grandson, Nicholas Matteson Wright. He was infinitely proud of Nicholas and his greatest joy was being his “Papa.” He is also survived by his nephew Robert Matteson; nieces Carole Bayzon and Linda Matteson; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Bridgewater Fire Company and Ambulance, PO Box 365, Bridgewater, NY 13313.

Fond memories and expressions of love can be shared online at apexfuneral.net for the Matteson family.