Norman Elwood Mattson, 78, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side on Monday, January 12, 2026, following a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.

He was born on January 13, 1947, in Richwood, New Jersey, to W. Elwood and Constance Mattson. Norman enlisted in the United States Navy in March 1964, graduated from Waterville High School in June 1966 and continued his service in the Navy for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1986. During his time in the Navy, he traveled the world and lived in Washington, DC; Newport, Rhode Island; Andrews Air Force Base, and Souda Bay, Crete.

Norman was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lawrence Mattson. Surviving are five brothers, Charles of Waterville, Randy of Pittsfield, Jeffrey of Clinton, Steve of Waterville, and Keith of Benton; and two sisters, Lisa Sherwood of Pittston and Debra Mattson of Clinton. He also leaves behind his daughters, Sherry Mattson Noud (Shawn) of Burke, VA; Christina Mattson of Springfield, VA; and K.C. Krytusa (Alan) of Bristow, VA, as well as his grandchildren Ashlynn (Aden), Julia, Maya, Rylee, Lila, and Jackson.

After retiring from the Navy, Norman served as a Water Treatment Operator for the City of Manassas for several years. He spent the next few years living in Lakeland, Florida before moving to Clinton to be close to his siblings. Spending time with family was important to Norman. He enjoyed sharing his Sunday coffee with his sister, Debra, and appreciated her listening ear and caring heart as well as the many ways she looked after him. He visited his daughters in Virginia often and made special trips to ensure he was there to meet each of his grandchildren and for special occasions.

When he was 11, Norman received the Carnegie Medal for the bravery he exhibited in China, Maine, on April 27, 1958, when he risked his life to rescue his cousin who had fallen into a well. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission awards the Carnegie Medal to individuals in the US and Canada who risk death or serious personal injury to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Norman was also recognized for his bravery by the local American Legion.

Norman enjoyed riding a motorcycle in his younger days and was a well-known lifetime member of Fairfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6924 where he was always up for a game of pool. He played in many tournaments and even won some. He also enjoyed going out to eat and spending time with friends.

Norman was blessed to count among his friends Roger Reynolds, Tammy Violette and Brenda Jewel. Roger kept Norman company when he visited, and Tammy generously shared her delicious homecooked meals with him. Brenda was his faithful caregiver for the last few months of his life and kept his daughters apprised of his appointments and activities.

Norman’s family would like to acknowledge the compassionate and skilled care provided by MaineGeneral Health in Waterville, the Harold Alford Center for Cancer Care in Augusta and MaineGeneral Home Care & Hospice.

Family and friends will gather for the burial at 11am on June 20, 2026, at China Village Extension Cemetery. Following the burial, his sister, Debra, will host a celebration of Norman’s life at 1pm, at the Fairfield VFW Post. All who knew Norman are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to support the American Lung Association or the charity of your choice.