Robert F. Mattson

Robert's memorial service will be livestreamed at 12 noon on Monday, August 8th and will be available for viewing at this link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9763652417

RUTLAND– Robert F. Mattson, 89, died peacefully on Monday, August 1, 2022 at Webster Manor Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Webster. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Thomas and Irene (Wiitala) Mattson and had lived in Rutland for many years.

Robert graduated from Rutland High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in radio and electrical engineering from Tri-State College in Angola, IN. During his career at McDonald Douglas/Boeing Corp. in St. Louis, MO Robert worked on several groundbreaking projects. His input was integral in building the radio for Project Mercury, the first human spaceflight program of the United States. Robert’s name has also been memorialized in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. for his work on Project Gemini, the second human spaceflight program of the United States. During his career Robert worked on F-4 Phantom Aircraft in Turkey, Egypt, Germany and the United Kingdom. Robert was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church in Rutland.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Anita Mary (Ketela) Mattson; his son, Charles Mattson and his wife, Kristin of Ridgecrest, CA; his daughters, Eileen Richards and her husband, Mark of Floyds Knobs, IN and Karen Mattson of Cape Cod; his brother, Paul Mattson of Rutland; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial calling hours from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon followed by a memorial service at 12 noon on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Interment will follow at Rural Cemetery, Main St., Rutland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Congregational Church of Rutland, P.O. Box 484, Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com