As the new school year begins, students and faculty celebrate and remember the life of custodian Jeff Mattson, who was widely known by his peers for his kind heart and friendly presence. Weeks after his passing, the Walpole school community continues to feel his absence in the halls.
“He was a great custodian. He was a hard worker, very dependable, never out sick and most importantly, a good friend. He was a gentle giant, we miss him,” head custodian Dave Wood said.
As a Walpole High School alumnus and town custodian of 20 years, Mattson never strayed too far from home. After graduating from Walpole High in 1975, Mattson graduated from University of Massachusetts to pursue his interest in criminal justice. Years prior to his career in the Walpole school system, Mattson often filmed town events for the Walpole Media Cooperation. Shortly after, he secured a temporary job as a custodian at Johnson Middle School in early 2000. Roughly five years later, he began his second custodian job at the high school where for the last 13 years, Mattson and his friendly banter have become a part of the high school culture.
Throughout Mattson’s 18 years working in the school system, he touched the lives of many faculty members who express their appreciation and respect.
“He always seemed to have a comeback for anything you said to him. He reminded you not to take yourself so seriously. You never got too big for your own britches around him because he constantly threw a zinger at you. He just wanted to make everyone laugh,” business teacher Joseph Braccini said.
Not only is faculty affected by Mattson’s passing, but the students at the high school have also expressed how they will be remembering Mattson in their own way.
“Jeff and I talked the most during indoor track when the other hurdlers and I would practice upstairs while he vacuumed the floors,” senior Nicole St. Germain said. “That’s where I know I’ll remember him the most, telling stories with the other hurdlers about the funny memories we have of Jeff.”
Mattson showed his love for the community through his heavy involvement in various school-oriented activities. He became friendly with many parents as well as Walpole youth basketball coaches who participated in the “Old Boys Basketball” (OBB) games held every Thursday night in the Walpole High School gym.
“He was a dedicated, selfless individual,” OBB player and WHS parent Don Langenhorst said. “It isn’t necessary what you do for work but how you do it. He will be greatly missed.”
Aside from his involvement with the community after school hours, Mattson also took on an active role in Walpole High School’s annual Film Festival during its 10th year in 2011. He often supervised students staying after hours shooting for their movies or acted in films, serving as the big reveal. Film Festival Adviser Michael Alan plans on dedicating some, if not all, of this year’s films in Mattson’s memory.
“He was different out there with the students than he was in here at home. He had a very warm personality. He never spoke harshly of anyone. He was a grand person,” Mattson’s mother Teresa said.
Mattson’s private life often contradicted his public life seen by students and members of the community. His hobbies included taking his dog Sam for walks, reading history books and rooting for the Patriots. Mattson also liked gardening, doing home improvements and being a member of the Adams Farm Committee.
In terms of tributes to honor Mattson at the school, his mother plans on adding his name to the Peter Dale Mattson Scholarship, a scholarship already in place for his brother who passed away seven years ago. Other tributes are also being considered.
“Since he loved the kids so much, he would’ve liked them to benefit from him in some way, whether it is a scholarship or planting a tree in his honor. A decision is in the process of being made,” Principal Stephen Imbusch said.
*CORRECTION: Mattson graduated from University of Massachusetts to pursue his interest in criminal justice.