Elliot Byron Matteson

Elliot "Matt" Byron Matteson Sr. 99, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, peacefully lost his battle with time on June 18, 2026. Born on August 20, 1926, in Coventry, Rhode Island. Elliot's life was a remarkable one of hardship, loss, war, love, hard work, dedication and success.

Elliot was the youngest child of Byron Lincoln and Anna Lillabridge Kenyon Matteson, and from an early age exhibited the traits that would define his life: kindness, curiosity, intelligence and an unyielding spirit. His early years were marked by the Depression and his service to the country during World War II, where he served honorably in the South Pacific as a Jungleer with the 41st 163rd as a member of the United States Army. These experiences shaped his character, instilling in him a deep sense of duty, resilience and the stubbornness to never give up.

After the war, Elliot pursued an education at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he learned his skills and prepared for a lifelong career in engineering, mathematics and optics. In the 1950s, he and his young wife moved to Precision Valley to embark on a rewarding career with Jones and Lamson, Springfield VT, eventually becoming the head of the Optical Department where his development of the comparator was instrumental to the field. His expertise and leadership led him to Bond Optics, where he served as vice president and CEO until his retirement. Elliot's contributions to the field of optics were significant and his work was highly respected among his peers. In the 1970's and 80's Elliot built "The Matteson Shingle Mill" on his property where white cedar shingles were cut, bundled and shipped as far away as Florida.

Elliot's personal life was a testament to love and commitment. He shared 73 beautiful years with his wife, Barbara Waite, until her passing in 2023. Together, they built a life filled with ball games, recitals, warmth and joy, raising their children with the values of integrity, expectations and compassion. Elliot is survived by his daughters, Linda Matteson of Thetford Center, Vermont, Nancy Matteson along with her husband David Gross of Gloucester, Massachusetts, his son William and his wife Wini Matteson of Bath, New Hampshire and his daughter in-law Susan Matteson, wife of Elliot Matteson Jr. "Skip", and dear family friend Randy Blaise. His legacy continues to flourish through his seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Elliot was predeceased by his wife Barbara, son Elliot B. Matteson Jr. “Skip”, nephew Lewis Matteson Jr.”Bub”, close friend Steve Hastings and almost everyone he ever knew, a testament to his long, full and good life. Despite these losses, Elliot remained a beacon of strength and wisdom for his family and friends.

Elliot was a tinkerer. Always moving, curious and eager to explore. Two things he often said were "a moving target is harder to hit" and "better to wear out than rust out". He loved baseball, whether playing, coaching, or simply enjoying the Red Sox from the couch, even when they were on the West coast. Elliot loved to compete, loved animals and loved sports. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, shooting, boating and cribbage with anyone, but he mostly enjoyed cribbage with his granddaughters. Elliot was also a devoted member of the Shriners, Free Mason, and Brownsville Church, where he fostered lasting friendships and contributed to his community.

Elliot's life was a symphony of love, laughter, accomplishment and expectations. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and perseverance that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we celebrate the indelible impact he made on the world and the countless lives he touched.

May Elliot Byron Matteson rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Barbara, and all who beat him to the Gate, and may his memory forever be a blessing to those who had the privilege of sharing in his remarkable journey.

The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staff at The Village Of White River Junction for their care and dedication.

Services to be held on June 26 , 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Brownsville Methodist Church, Brownsville, Vermont. Burial to follow at the Amsden Cemetery, Reading, Vermont. 

Knight Funeral Home of Windsor, Vermont has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be shared in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.