It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of Rich Mattson, 39, who left us far too soon in a tragic work accident while doing one of the things he enjoyed most—tree work.
For over 20 years, Rich poured his heart into this craft, not only mastering it but forming a brotherhood with so many others in the industry across the country. It was more than just a job for him; it was a passion, and the friendships he made along the way meant the world to him.
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For the past 10 years, Rich also worked for the Town of Walpole, where he formed incredible friendships and bonds. He always came home with a story, usually about some shenanigans he had started just to get a laugh out of the guys. That was Rich—funny, full of life, and always making the ordinary a little more entertaining.
Rich grew up in Wrentham, MA, where he proudly declared himself the “family favorite,” a title he held with great enthusiasm and absolutely no debate (at least in his mind).
He had a special way of both cherishing and endlessly teasing his parents and siblings, bringing equal parts joy and exasperation into their lives (especially exasperating his mother, Janet).
Whether he was making them laugh, pushing their buttons just enough to keep things interesting, or making sure they always knew how much he loved them, Rich’s presence was impossible to ignore and even harder to resist. His childhood was full of adventure, sports, and a whole lot of humor, and that spirit stayed with him for life.
He attended King Philip High School, where he played as quarterback and helped lead the football team to victory in his senior year, a memory he always cherished. One of his favorite jokes was telling people, especially his boys, that Danielle didn’t cheer for the team—just for him (always with a wink).
His love for the game extended beyond playing, and he later became a youth and high school football referee, officiating alongside his dad, Ricky, and many friends. Whether on the field or in the stands, he loved being part of the game. Eventually, as Declan and Cian became more active in their own sports, he hung up his whistle to dedicate even more time to coaching them and their teams.
Rich didn’t just walk into a room; he lit it up. He had a laugh that was contagious, a heart that was boundless, and an energy that made everyone feel like they had known him forever.
He never met a stranger—within minutes, you were a friend. If you needed anything, anything at all, he had a guy for that. And if he didn’t, give him five minutes, and he’d find one.
His love for sports ran deep, especially for Boston sports. He could rattle off stats, history, and random trivia about players most people had never even heard of. That love wasn’t just his own; he passed it on to his boys, and the three of them could talk endlessly about teams, trades, and games in a way that would leave everyone else struggling to keep up.
He loved animals just as much as he loved people. His pets were part of the family, and he had a way of making every living thing feel safe and loved.
When Rich joined Danielle’s family, he seamlessly became a beloved son-in-law and brother-in-law, eventually winning over every heart. He brought so much joy to their lives, making them laugh, helping whenever needed, and simply being someone they could always count on. Much like in his own family, he proudly and playfully became yet another family favorite.
But what defined Rich the most was his love for his family. He was the kind of dad who didn’t just show up—he was all in. He had the honor of coaching Declan and Cian, along with their friends, in football and soccer, and he genuinely loved every second of it.
He wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor, a motivator, and the biggest believer in every kid who played for him. But beyond the field, his greatest joy was simply being their dad. He was hands-on in every way—helping with homework, playing catch for hours, battling it out in video games, and being their fiercest supporter in everything they did.
He was dedicated to them in a way that left no doubt how deeply they were loved, always making sure they knew they were his greatest pride and joy. Whether it was cheering them on from the sidelines or sharing quiet moments at home, Rich poured his whole heart into fatherhood, and that love will stay with them forever.
As a husband, he was nothing short of gold. He loved Danielle so deeply, so fully, and so obviously that no one could miss it. For over ten incredible years, they built a love that was unshakable, full of laughter, partnership, and the kind of devotion that people dream of. He took care of her in every way, making even ordinary moments feel special.
He is survived by his wife, Danielle, and their two sons, Declan and Cian, who were the absolute lights of his life. He also leaves behind his parents, Janet and Ricky Mattson, his brother Patrick Mattson and his wife Stephanie, and his sister Jenna Romero and her husband Geno, along with his beloved nephew Mason. Beyond his immediate family, Rich is survived by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him, loved him, and now carries him in their hearts.
Though we are shattered by his loss, we will carry his love, his laughter, and his legacy forward. He wouldn’t want us to dwell in sadness. He’d want us to come together, tell stories, and celebrate the incredible man he was. Because that’s what Rich did—he lived, he loved, and he left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, March 8th, from 10 AM – 2 PM at RJ Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street, Wrentham. A prayer service will follow visitation at 2 PM in the funeral home.
