John Mattis

John L. "Jack" Mattis, 72 of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Ashfield, Massachusetts, died April 7, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 12, 1937 in Pittsfield, MA he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Margaret (Kinney) Mattis. He grew up in Plainfield and Windsor and graduated from Dalton High School in 1956. After High school, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years. Following his Air Force stint, he began his family in East Longmeadow where he worked for H.P. Hood, Frito-Lay and The Springfield Republican Newspaper. He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball and was an active volunteer with the East Longmeadow Recreation Department for many years. After his years as a "milk man" and "chip man," Jack returned to his roots in the hill towns where he owned and operated Elmer's General Store in Ashfield. While living in Ashfield, Jack enjoyed being involved in various aspects of town government. In his free time, Jack played golf as often as possible and was a long time member of the Ashfield Golf Club. Jack joined the Charles Spellman Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in East Longmeadow, now the Meadows Lodge and later joined the Mountain Lodge of Shelburne Falls where he rose through the ranks; became a 32nd degree Mason; and eventually became Past Master in 1999. He was also affiliated with the Melha Temple of Springfield where he was active with the Hadji Unit. Jack is survived by his three loving children, a son, Jeffery J. Mattis and his wife, Mary Jane of RIngoes, NJ, a daughter, Beth VanIderstine and her husband, Mark of Ft. Collins, CO. and daughter Wendi Hogan and her husband, Mark of East Longmeadow; MA; his sister, Marilyn Gallagher of Hancock, MA; sick grandchildren, Amy and Joseph Mattis, Kristin Fryman and Justin Van Iderstine and Timothy and Caitlin Hogan; three great-grandchildren, Kiley, Grady and Klaytyn; his aunt Leona Parsons; uncle Lawrence Kinney, both of Hinsdale, MA; 2 nephews and 2 nieces; cousins and his beloved dog, Dolly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shiners Hospital for Children; 516 Carew Street Springfield, MA. 01104. The Fisher House c/o Albany V.A. Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany N.Y., 12208. The family invites all who would like the join them for an Evergreen Service, by the Mountain Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Shelburne Falls at Hill Cemetery in Ashfield at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009.