Victor F. Mattson

TOPSHAM – On Thursday Oct. 20, 2022, Victor F. Mattson, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 97 in Brunswick.

Victor was born on June 1, 1925 in Glenridge, N.J. to Victor and Marion (Caverly) Mattson. On June 15, 1943 Victor interrupted his college education to enlist in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country as a rifleman in Company B 56th armored infantry battalion 12th armored division during WWII. He was awarded a purple heart for wounds suffered at the Battle of Herrlisheim, Jan. 9, 1945. He was honorably discharged Feb. 4, 1945. Graduating from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., Victor went on to earn a doctorate from the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton, Wis.

On August 26, 1951 he married Shirley Gomoll who was the light of his life. Together they had two children. A life in the paper industry moved them to Wisconsin, Ohio, Maine, Connecticut, and Mississippi, all the while traveling the world and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Victor led a life of service through philanthropic giving, volunteering as a deacon in his church, and supporting the communities he lived in. Victor was most proud of three parts of his life: his military service, his family, and his accomplishments building and managing a state of the art pulp mill in Mississippi (Leaf River division of Great Northern Nekoosa Paper Corp). He attributed his successful career to hard work and hiring the right people, always acknowledging those around him.

In retirement Victor studied and graded the generals of WWII, seeking to understand the bigger picture of the war. He was proud to be a “Hellcat” from the 12th armored division and enjoyed connecting with the 12th Armored Division Association historian, sharing books and stories. He continued to be sharp through his 97 years, making new friends along the way, continually telling new stories of his life, and always appreciating what he had: a good job, a good wife, and a good family.

Victor was predeceased by his parents; and son, David.

He is survived by his brother, Guy; wife, Shirley; daughter, Debra; grandchildren Sharon, Evan, Daniel and Douglas; great-grandchildren Anna, Thomas, and Remy; nine nieces and nephews.

Victor lived an extraordinary life in many different ways, always filled with gratitude and a dedication of service to others. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Nov. 2, followed by a Military Honors Ceremony in the Chapel at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. A reception will follow.