Richard E. Mattson

MATTSON, RICHARD E. Sr. of Walpole formerly of Norwood passed away on January 4, 2025 at the age of 93. Beloved husband of 69 years of Jean A. (Grasso) Mattson of Walpole. Devoted father of Richard E. Mattson Jr. and his wife Janet of Wrentham, Barbara J. Pepicelli and her husband Tony of Attleboro, Jeffery A. Mattson and his wife Denise of Taunton and Jeanne Destito and her husband Frank of Walpole. Brother of Janice Mattson of Foxboro and the late Robert “Sonny” Mattson, Silvia Lavorante and Dennis Mattson. Cherished grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Richard honorably served his country running communication lines throughout Korea while serving as a U.S. Army infantryman in the 14th Infantry Regiment. He reached the rank of corporal before being honorably discharged on August 19, 1954.
Service in civilian life included many years as a call firefighter at East Walpole’s Station 2. The Station 2 call signal was 332, and when that call went out, Richard would drop whatever he was doing, jump in his car, and head to the station, where he would gear up, jump on the truck, and head out to the incident along with his fellow firefighters.
In addition to fighting fires, Richard loved horseshoes, hunting, fishing, and wiffle ball. He was the family’s unofficial groundskeeper of their cherished backyard wiffle ball field, always making sure it was ready for those weekend family cookouts.
Later, Richard would become “Pa”, a name given to him by his first born grandson. Pa loved taking his grandchildren fishing, teaching them the basics of the sport. He also loved watching them play other sports and enjoyed attending events at their schools.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4-7pm (with a prayer service at 6:30) at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to AccentCare Hospice and Palliative Care 1 Edgewater Dr. Suite 103 Norwood, MA 02062.