Obituary of Charles J. Mattison

Charles J. "Jerry" Mattison, 79, of 9 Gifford Avenue, Lakewood, died peacefully on Saturday April 21, 2012, in his home after a short illness, surrounded by his family. A Jamestown area native, he was born October 15, 1932, a son of the late Charles and Margaret Andersson Mattison. He was a 1950 graduate of Lakewood High School. He joined the Navel Reserve in 1948 and was called to active duty in 1952 when he served for 2 years. He was a 1960 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree from the Electrical Technology Co-Op Program during which time he worked for General Railway Signal. Prior to his retirement he was employed by IBM for 26 years as an electrical engineer. Before moving back to Lakewood in 2010, he and his wife were residents of Maine, NY for 48 years. He was instrumental in bringing the game Pickleball to the Binghamton, Jamestown and Lakewood area. He was also active in basketball, volleyball and tennis. He enjoyed working with his wife at her pottery business. They traveled together to various craft shows and met many different artist over the course of 30 years. He was a member of Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and the USA Pickleball Association. Jerry enjoyed time spent at the family cabin on Indian Lake in the Adirondacks. The quote associated with his life is "Don't cry because it's over---smile because it happened." Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Barbara Puls, two daughters Sherry Mattison and Lisa (Ed) Calkin; a daughter-in-law JoAnne Denton; six grandchildren Kristen Calkin, Ashley Denton, Matthew (Cheryl) Visingard, Michael Calkin, Bryan (Jen) Calkin and Ashley Mattison; four great grandchildren and two brothers Marshall (Mary) Mattison and James (Karen) Mattison. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son David Mattison. It was Jerry's wish to donate is body to the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home, 805 West Third Street, Jamestown. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lakewood Museum/History Center, 22 W. Summit Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 or a charity of choice. You may light a candle in remembrance of Jerry at www.lindfuneralhome.com.