Edwin O. Mattson, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born on December 15, 1942, in Keene, New Hampshire, to Edwin O. Mattson, Sr., and Elizabeth Mae (Whitcomb) Jacques.

Edwin graduated from Keene High School in 1960 and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, earning an honorable discharge in 1965.

He began his lifelong career in public service at the age of 16 by joining the Fitzwilliam Fire Department in 1958. Edwin was certified as a Firefighter Level 2, Hazmat Operations Specialist, and Emergency Medical Technician Basic, and proudly served as Fire Chief from 1967 to 1986 and again from 2010 to 2014, before retiring as a Senior Member. He served as Deputy Fire Marshall for New Hampshire from 2001 to 2013 and as President of the Meadowood County Area Fire Department Board of Directors, remaining an active member until his passing.

Edwin dedicated 44 years to Southwestern NH District Fire Mutual Aid (SWNHDFMA), beginning in 1966 and retiring in 2021, including a part-time return in 1998 as Lieutenant. Colleagues fondly referred to him as “the man, the myth, the legend,” a testament to his knowledge, calm demeanor, integrity, and the respect he earned throughout his career. He helped the Town of Fitzwilliam purchase its first ambulance, served as Forest Fire Warden for over 50 years, and was a longtime Cemetery Commissioner.

Beyond firefighting, Edwin served the Fitzwilliam community in many capacities. He was Road Agent for 10 years, earning recognition as a Master Road Scholar and serving on the NH Road Agents Association Board of Directors, including a term as treasurer. In 2018, he founded his own heavy equipment business, handling hauling, plowing, and mowing.

Fondly known as “Junior,” “Ed,” or “Eddie,” Edwin will be remembered for his devotion to family, lifelong service to his community, and the love and guidance he shared with all who knew him. His legacy of dedication, compassion, and knowledge will live on through the generations he cherished so deeply.

In his personal time, Edwin enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading and watching World War II programs, and playing cards, including pinochle, canasta, and cribbage. He was a lifelong animal lover with a special interest in the German Shepherd canine breed. Additionally, his vast knowledge of local history was unmatched.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandra Elaine (Pelkey) Mattson of Fitzwilliam, NH; his children, Gregory A. Mattson and his wife, Susan, of Bernardston, MA, Jodi L. Mattson of Fitzwilliam, NH, and Jill M. Mattson-Whipple and her husband, Christopher, of Fitzwilliam, NH; grandchildren Hayley Johnson, Keith Mattson, Emily Patnode, Alexander Patnode, Jacob Mattson-Whipple, Kayla Whipple, and Krystyna Whipple; great-grandchildren Hunter Borgeson, Rieley Warner, Reid Mattson, Natalie Patnode, Lucas Mattson, Miles Mattson, Zoey Patnode, and Seneca Johnson; his siblings, Jean-Claude Therer and his wife, Marie-Jeanne, of Verviers, Belgium, Bonnie M. Jones and her husband, Quentin, of Fitzwilliam, NH, and JeanAnn Mattson of Fitzwilliam, NH; his sister-in-law, Elaine Mattson of Winchendon, MA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert W. Mattson, in 2017, and by his parents, Edwin O. Mattson, Sr., in 1985, and Elizabeth Mae (Whitcomb) Jacques, in 1996.

Calling hours for Ed will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Hope Fellowship Church, 16 Prescott Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452. All Departments are invited to a Walkthrough which will begin at 3:00pm and will be followed by the traditional visitation until 6:00 pm.

Ed’s funeral service will be held at Hope Fellowship Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM with Military Honors rendered by the US Air Force. Ed will be laid to rest in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Fitzwilliam, NH in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Ed’s name to a scholarship established in his name for upcoming EMS and Fire Science Students in the Monadnock Region.

Donations may be mailed to:

Fire, Rescue & EMS Association of Fitzwilliam, NH Inc.
P.O. Box 443
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447

Donations may also be made electronically by going to: http://spot.fund/EdMattsonMemorialScholarship