Peter A. Matson, 60

Peter A. Matson, 60 Was U.S. veteran; lifelong Townsend resident

TOWNSEND - Peter A. Matson, 60, of 73 Highland St., died unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006, at HealthAlliance Hospital/Leominster, after being stricken ill at his home earlier that evening.

He was born in Fitchburg on Jan. 26, 1946, the son of the late Torsti O. and Harriet E. (Todd) Matson, and was a lifelong resident of Townsend. He was a 1964 graduate of North Middlesex Regional High School and later continued his education at Fitchburg State College.

Mr. Matson worked for the Massachusetts State Police for 34 years, retiring in 2002.

During the Vietnam War, he served his country for two years as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Matson was a life member of the Townsend V.F.W. and a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Townsend, the Lodge of Masons as well as the Alleppo Temple Shriners.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda J. (Oja) Matson; a son, Peter J. Matson of Townsend; a daughter and son-in-law, Caroline R. and Marty Drummond of Ashby; a sister, Susan T. Tait of Leominster; and five brothers, Timothy L. Matson of Fitchburg, Jonathan W. Matson of California, Stephen T. Matson of Townsend, David A. Matson of Lexington and Enoch W. Matson of Marlboro; and two granddaughters, Megan J. Drummond and Heather E. Drummond.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valiton Center for Homeless Veterans, Fairmount Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home directed arrangements.