On Monday, November 26, 2024, Ronald James Mattson of Johnston, RI passed away at the age 84, to be reunited with his wife, Linda Frances Norton, who predeceased him by two months. Born in Fitchburg MA, son of the late Urho and Alice (Helstein) Mattson, and predeceased by his brother Kenneth Mattson of Townsend, MA.
Ron enlisted in the Navy at the age of 19 and served for 4 years along with 2 years as a reservist. As a skilled mechanic, he went on to teach automotive technology until his retirement.
Ron and Linda made it a point to attend as many family functions as possible, enduring their grandchildren’s, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, concerts, recitals, sporting events, graduations, and countless birthday celebrations.
When they weren’t attending a family event, they were taking leisurely drives, finding antique stores and places where Ron could add to his varied collection of antique gas engines, Pepsi memorabilia, Tonka trucks, and model cars. As a lover of all things mechanical, Ron could usually be found tinkering in his barn, where he filled it to the brim with a variety of different engines he purchased or refurbished. His replica of a Morey 2 cylinder atmospheric engine is displayed at the Whately Engine Museum in Whately, MA.
Ron enjoyed traveling with Linda and finding the best places to eat. They drove the famous Route 66, visited Gettysburg on the 4th of July and Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
Ron is survived by his children Robert Mattson and his wife Cheryl of Smithfield, RI, Lisa Bencivengo and her husband David of Morristown, NJ, Gary Mattson and his wife Alicia of Galloway, NJ, and Julie Mattson and her companion, Bob Fehlberg of Greenville, RI. He leaves his grandchildren, Michael, Matthew and Stephanie Mattson, Christopher and Jonathan Bencivengo, and Gavin, Erik and Emma Mattson.
Burial with Military Honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery will take place on December 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM