Terry Lee Matson

In the spirit of Terry Matson, we pen his obituary with a light heart, much like how he lived his life. 

Terry, born in Fitchburg, MA on November 1, 1938, and resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, was an embodiment of joy, compassion, and love. His laughter was infectious, his jokes legendary, and his love for his family, unbounded. Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation." Terry, the fun-loving auditor, lived this quote to the fullest. Terry graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1956 and Norwich University in 1960. He served in the U.S. Army as an Army Recon Unit Commander during the Vietnam Era.

Terry was the founding Athletic Director at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire where he shared his passion for sports with students as he built their athletic program. Following his career at FPU he worked for CVS in a variety of leadership and managerial positions. He retired from CVS/Caremark in Scottsdale, AZ in 2005 after a successful career in pharmacy benefit management services.

Terry had a lifelong passion for sports. He played football for Fitchburg High School and Norwich University. He was active in Fitchburg sports through his participation in Fitchburg Little League, Fitchburg Men's softball league, and other city-wide recreational leagues for children and adults. His passion for sports also earned him a well-deserved spot in the Franklin Pierce University Athletics Hall of Fame in October 1997. He was indeed a presence in life, embracing all with his heart and soul.

Known for his thoughtful and fun nature, Terry was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed meeting other Veterans and sharing experiences with them. He was a sports enthusiast, music lover, and enjoyed the occasional thrill of the casino, but what mattered most to Terry was his family. He was a doting father and a proud grandfather and great grandfather, who found immense joy in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Terry was a loving husband to Kathleen (Welch, Blanchard) Matson, whom he married on November 1, 2000, and together they made countless memories. He was the proud father of Deborah Gallagher (Robert) of Leominster, MA, Steven Matson (Brenda) of Inwood, WV, and Scott Matson (Amy) of Hudson, NH, and a beloved step-father to Kevin Blanchard (Christian) of Lake Havasu City, AZ. He took great joy in being the Grandpa of Casey Gallagher (Jon St. Firmin) of New York, Major Matthew Gallagher, US Army, Sarah Matson, Kelsey Matson, and Kaitlyn Matlock (Troy) of West Virginia, Sam and Seth Matson of Hudson, NH, Kendall Witte and Kashmeer Varney of California. He was also loving Great Grandpa to Tyler Beverly-Twigg, Kirsten Beverly-Twigg, Kalista Hinkle, Charliegh and Hunter Matlock of West Virginia, Marie Juliet Gallager-St. Firmin of New York, Brayson Hardy of AZ, and Kingston Pebbly of California.

Terry is also survived by brothers Bruce Matson, Leominster, MA and Peter Matson, Worcester, MA

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Hiski and Eunice Matson, and his first wife, Beverly Matson.

In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Terry’s compassionate, funny, loving, and thoughtful nature will always be remembered. He was a beacon of light and laughter to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Eunice J Matson Memorial Scholarship by visiting www.fitchburgstate.edu/alumni-and-giving/giving-back

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fitchburg.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Terry's life by sharing memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page at brandonfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA.