Anthony Phillip 'Tony' Matson passed into God's arms on December 17, 2009. The son of Greek immigrants, Mr. Matson was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1931. He grew up to attend Columbia University and play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He married the love of his life, JoAnne 'Penny' Matson, in Vero Beach, Florida during the Dodgers spring training. He was drafted into the military shortly thereafter, and after serving in the U.S. Army, he taught school in the Duval County School System, then opened a successful group of Jacksonville restaurants, Tony's Pizza King and Dial-A-Pizza. He also started several successful businesses in the Bahamas. After retiring in his forties, he traveled the world with JoAnne by his side, and lived in St. Augustine since 1983. He will be forever remembered as a talented entrepreneur, a generous friend and most of all, a loving father and husband. His sharp wit and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years JoAnne (Penny) Christenson; sons and daughter in laws Mark (Jill) Matson of Gainesville and Stephen (Lynne) Matson of Jacksonville; and six grandchildren. He joins his son, Anthony Matson, Jr. who predeceased him. Private family services are planned, and a celebration of his beautiful life will be announced later. Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements MATSON Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com. Published by Florida Times-Union on Dec. 20, 2009
Anthony Phillip 'Tony' Matson passed into God's arms on December 17, 2009. The son of Greek immigrants, Mr. Matson was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1931. He grew up to attend Columbia University and play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He married the love of his life, JoAnne 'Penny' Matson, in Vero Beach, Florida during the Dodgers spring training. He was drafted into the military shortly thereafter, and after serving in the U.S. Army, he taught school in the Duval County School System, then opened a successful group of Jacksonville restaurants, Tony's Pizza King and Dial-A-Pizza. He also started several successful businesses in the Bahamas. After retiring in his forties, he traveled the world with JoAnne by his side, and lived in St. Augustine since 1983. He will be forever remembered as a talented entrepreneur, a generous friend and most of all, a loving father and husband. His sharp wit and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years JoAnne (Penny) Christenson; sons and daughter in laws Mark (Jill) Matson of Gainesville and Stephen (Lynne) Matson of Jacksonville; and six grandchildren. He joins his son, Anthony Matson, Jr. who predeceased him. Private family services are planned, and a celebration of his beautiful life will be announced later. Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements MATSON Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com. Published by Florida Times-Union on Dec. 20, 2009
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