He was born on January 4, 1935 in Albany, New York, son of the late Page Goodman Mattice and the late Lucy Eva Hale Mattice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jessen and a nephew, Timothy Strysko.
John was a retired Technical Editor with the United States Navy. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking and at one time, had his own dog sled team. He was also a master gardener.
Survivors include a sister, Martha L. Strysko; a step-daughter, Cheri Wengronowitz; 4 step-grandchildren, Adam, Jacob, Lucas and Faith; 3 step-great grandchildren, Derrien, Evelyn, and Maverick. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, Jeannette Woods, Robert Jessen, Scott Jessen, John Jessen, Thomas Jessen, James Jessen, Lucy Cheatham, Wayne Strysko, Cindy Benson, and Brian Strysko.
A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. The service will be livestream by going to www.Facebook.com/WhittenFuneralHome.
When attending services, please maintain social distancing and masks are required for everyone’s safety.
You are encouraged to post a memory, note, or words of condolence to the family by going to the funeral home website at www.whittentimberlake.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or Amedisys Hospice, 5221 Valleypark Drive, Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24019.
