John E. Matheson retired Lieutenant Woburn Fire Dept. passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness, April 2, 2018, at his home surrounded by those he loved. He was 80 years of age. John was the beloved husband of Lee (Pento) Matheson with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Medford he was the son of the late Lester and Helen (Qualey) Matheson.
John was a Woburn resident for over fifty years. He was raised and educated in Somerville and Medford and honorably served in the United States Air Force where he began his fire fighting training. He was appointed to the Woburn Fire Department in 1967 and faithfully served the people of Woburn until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 2000. John also served as the Fire Prevention Officer for the City of Woburn for many years.
Always active throughout his life, John enjoyed bowling, playing softball, camping at Cold Springs Campground in Weare, NH where he made many friendships over the years. John was an avid Horse Shoe player and enjoyed playing almost every weekend during the good weather and for many years John was also active with several different Drum Corp groups.
Along with his beloved wife Lee, John is survived by his children, John E. Matheson Jr. and his wife Karen of Medford, Robert Matheson and his wife Doreen, Debbie Anderson and her husband Eric, and Bonnie Barry, all of Woburn. He was the loving grandfather of Steve, Christopher, and Ryan Jensen, Alyssa Forestier, Arielle Mason, Bob Matheson Jr., Rachael Sparks, Tiffani Barry, Olivia and Ava Celona. Loving great grandfather of Carter, John, Anna, Joey, Gemma, Isabelle, Cameron, Michaela, and Tyler. Brother of the late Lawrence "Butch" Matheson.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather for calling hours Saturday, April 7th, at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, from 2 to 6 p.m. Services will conclude with a prayer service and military honors starting at 6 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John's memory to the American Parkinson Disease Assoc. 72 East Concord St., Room C3, Boston, MA 021180.