John Joseph Mattson

It is with broken hearts that the family of John Joseph Mattson announces his passing on April 17, 2024. Born in Saint John, NB, on February 28, 1945, he was the son of the late Robert and Eleanor (Porter) Mattson.

John was an avid train enthusiast who loved train sets, trinkets, going to train shows and would jump at the opportunity to go on a train anywhere, even if it was a short ride on an old steam engine, or across the country. He really enjoyed his old country western movies, war movies, horror flicks and keeping up to date on the news. He loved wrestling and hockey and spending time with his kids watching the big game. His hobbies included bowling, horseshoes, playing cards and games, especially Big Bertha, crib and Yahtzee and he loved to win! He was always a good sport though and really enjoyed telling jokes, (even if they were inappropriate) - he just liked to make everyone laugh. 

John was very passionate about his lifelong profession in the sheet metal industry. As a master of the trade, he often found time to teach the young apprentices that would come through the shop. He would still bring out his old textbooks to teach a thing or two to anyone who was interested and jot down a design for you.

John was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 437, serving as treasurer and shop steward for many years.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren taking them to the park, apple picking and fishing! He really enjoyed just going for a Sunday drive, and taking in the sights, scoping out a new fishing site and eating at a local homestyle restaurant. Of course, he would always have room for dessert, and the root beer better have no ice! John loved scallops and didn't like to share them. You could find him teasing the kids with the question “Do you want some ice cream and pie?” and when someone said yes, he would say “So would I”. On one occasion he had to go and buy some for one of the kids, he felt so bad with their disappointment!

John was a friend of Bill W. for 37 years; faithful to his program until the end. A member of the Grapevine Committee, writing plays and acting in them also. He was a real ham!

John is survived by his children: Anthony (Samantha), and Melissa (Darren); his grandchildren: Sarah, Kailey, Michelle, Ryan; sister Carol (Brian); as well as special friend: Bonnie. He loved all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so much and they will always hold a special place in his heart, he will be watching over them always.

He was predeceased by his grandmother Violet, mother Eleanor (Nellie), father Robert, stepfather, Alden, his grandson Alex and his dog, Lassie, and his cat, Holly. He has been reunited with them in heaven, free from the sickness, pain and suffering that he has been experiencing for many years. We hope that each and every one of you will remember John with a kind memory and remember the love he had and will always have for you.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Rd., Saint John, NB (506-646-2424). A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 12PM to 2PM, with a Celebration of his Life to be celebrated in the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel at 2PM following the visitation. Donations in John’s memory can be made to the New Brunswick Lung Association Inc. (https://nblung.ca) or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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