GLOUCESTER: Mr. John H. Matheson, 84, of Gloucester, passed
away peacefully Tuesday, February 16, 2016, in the Seacoast Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center following a brief illness due to complications with
diabetes. He was the loving companion to Norma Pimentel with whom he shared
over 30 years of friendship.
In addition to his loving companion, Norma, John is survived
by his three children, Sharon L. Matheson and her husband, Stephen Frisbee of
Rockport, Michael J. Matheson of Gloucester and Russell E. Matheson of
Hoodsport, Wash. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Roller and her
husband, Rolf of Osterville; his sister-in-law, Sally Matheson of Peabody; his
nephews, Craig and Kelly Roller, Brian and Andrea Roller, Clifford, Gregory and
Christopher Matheson. In addition to his family, he is also survived by Norma’s
daughter, Daughter Michele Dimambro of Gloucester.
He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Matheson, his aunt
and uncle, Ellsworth and Dorothy Matheson and Norma’s son-in-law, Roger
Dimambro.
John was born May 17, 1931 in Lynn. He was the son of the
late John H. Matheson, Sr. and Margaret (Stackhouse) Matheson. He lived in Lynn
before moving to Essex in 1938 where he resided and went the elementary school.
John moved to Gloucester in 1983. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School
where he ran track, played baseball and football. He attended the University of
South Dakota.
John was an honorably discharged United States Marine.
He was a sports enthusiast a member of the Gloucester High
School sports Hall of Fame for Track. He set multiple State and Regional
records which he held for many years.
At age 21, John was the youngest elected public official in.
He was voted in as a Selectman for the Town of Essex and he served five terms.
He was also very active in many Town boards.
John coached Pony League and Junior League in Essex. He
started the Gloucester boxing club with Slug Ryan and also coached multiple
golden gloves championships. He was also a coached for the senior Babe Ruth
League and was head baseball coach at Gloucester High School from 1987 to 1994.
Since 1994, he was a coach for the fall and winter baseball teams as well as an
umpire up until this past year at the age of 84.
For a number of years, he enjoyed taking photo’s of the
beautiful Cape Ann scenery, he held many exhibits and shows under the name of
John Matheson Photography.
John’s Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 20, 2016,
in the Pike-Newhall Funeral Home, 61 Middle St. Gloucester at 10 a.m. Relatives
and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday
evening from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in Spring Street Cemetery, Essex. In
lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory may be made to Gloucester Little
League c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St. Gloucester, MA 01930. For online
condolences and register book, please visit www.pikenewhall.com.
