eorge Harvey Matteson passed away on May 27, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Bakersville, New York to Leslie and Rose (nee Harvey) Matteson, George arrived on April 2, 1922. Dedicating his life to his country, George enlisted in the Army Air Corps, which later became the United States Air Force. He proudly served in the Air Force for 22 years, earning the rank of Master Sargent. His dedication to our country did not end there. Working for the United States Post Office, George retired as a Post Master. George met the love of his life, Ella Rose, in New York. He tried several times to get Ella to go on a date, but she declined. After a while, they made a bet. If Ella lost the bet, she would have to go out with George. Well, Ella did lose that bet. It was the best thing she ever lost. The couple was married in Oneonta, New York, and spent 54 years loving each other. When Ella passed away in 2000, life was not the same for George. He often said that there was no other woman for him. His love for her and his family remained a pillar of strength for him throughout his life. Family was of the utmost importance for George, not only his wife and children, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. George enjoyed working with computers, and bonded with his grandson over their mutual love for computers. A proud grandpa, George was happy to just spend time with his grandchildren. In fact, his great granddaughter asked him to watch Tinkerbell with her, and he happily obliged. Collecting coins, fishing, boating, and computers were hobbies that George enjoyed. When he could share his hobbies with his family, it brought him so much joy. Another source of enjoyment for George came with watching T.V., anything with John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, a cowboy or military theme had his attention. Having a prankster personality, George would get a rise out of joking around with people. He was known for taking the chairs out of the dining room at his care home, putting them into the elevator, and when people tried to get into the elevator, they couldn’t fit! When they did make it down to the dining room, there would be nowhere for them to sit! His family first attitude and sense of humor will be missed by all of those who had the opportunity to know and love George. He is survived by his children Hope Whitney, and her husband Ed Valinski whom he thought of as a son, George Matteson, and Mary Anne Sturcken, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death, are his beloved wife, Ella Rose, grandson Chad M. Whitney, whom passed away on March 17, 2013, and his parents Leslie and Rose Matteson. Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care 400 South Power Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480) 830-4422. The family asks that memories of George be shared on their website at www.MariposaGardens.com.