Gary A. Mattison

November 4, 1948 - July 3, 2011

Dr. Gary A. Mattison, Major, U.S. Army, Retired, 62, passed away Sunday (July 3, 2011) following a second courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Mattison was born on Nov. 4, 1948 in Corning to Craig C. and Lillian M. (Scranton) Mattison. He was a 1966 graduate of Scio Central School. On March 4, 1972, in Wellsville, he married Kathy A. Beck, who survives.

In 1968, Gary joined the U.S. Army in what would be the beginning of a dual track career. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1968 to 1971 where he served one tour on the DMZ in the 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery, where he received a Bronze Star for his participation in Hamburger Hill. He ultimately served 23 years in the Army: seven years enlisted, attaining the rank of Sergeant; thirteen years as a commissioned officer and three years in the reserves. He served as Chief of the Sensitive Records Information Agency where he was responsible for providing sensitive documents in classified trials such as Manuel Noriega and LTC Oliver North. He also worked on President George H. W. Bush’s Military Inaugural Committee and served on the Staff of the Chief of Staff, Army. Upon retirement, Major Mattison was awarded the Legion of Merit by the Director of the Army Staff.

In 1972, he began his career in education when he earned his AAS from Alfred Agricultural and Technical College, a BS in Human Relations from the University of San Francisco in 1983, a MS in System Management in 1988 from the University of Southern California and lastly, a Ph.D in Education from Capella University in 2008. Dr. Mattison was a professor at Strayer University from 1992 until shortly before his death. He served as a Campus Dean for the university in both Maryland and Virginia; he was elected President of the Faculty Senate; was selected twice for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; and once for the International Who’s Who of Professional Educators. Additionally, he was a noted author where he published several education related articles as well as two books.

In addition to his father and wife, Gary is survived by two sons, Eric (Crystal) Mattison of Walbridge, Ohio and Gregary (Whitney Schumm) Mattison of Fredericksburg, Va.; three brothers, Joseph (Mary) Mattison of Monterey, Ron (Lauren) Mattison of Lake Luzerne, and Bud (Carol) Mattison of Corning; one sister, Lois (Steven) Roberts of Cuba; one granddaughter, “the light of his life”, Rhyannon Mattison; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary loved to teach, draw, design homes, work on computers and participate in family events. He was a member of the Belmont American Legion and with his family, was an active supporter of the Salvation Army at Christmas time.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. The funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack, officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to Wellsville Salvation Army, 25 Pearl St., Wellsville, NY 14895.