Robert Matson

September 12, 1949 - July 30, 2026

Robert Matson, 76, passed away on July 30, 2026.  He was born in Teaneck, NJ, to George and Margaret (Engasser), and grew up in nearby Paramus. He was the second oldest of four sons, George, Robert, Thomas and Eric. Bob was a kind and generous man and a loyal friend.

Robert Matson, the son, the brother, the father, the husband, the grandfather, the stepfather, the friend... Robert Matson, the man, passed peacefully with his wife by his side.

He played baseball and excelled in soccer while attending Paramus High School. His enjoyment from sports and the outdoors continued throughout the years. Softball, golfing, hiking, most importantly sleeping on the beach in Cape May.

Bob gave 38 years of dedicated service to the phone company. Starting in 1971, when AT&T, was generally known as "Ma Bell", then the baby Bells and retiring from Verizon in 2009. Through all the changes in the name of the phone company, Bob acquired a name change as well. There were too many guys named Bob in "the gang", so his coworkers renamed him Ralph. Bob felt a new first name needed a new last name, and the story of Ralph Bonicci began.

If you asked Bob, "what is your greatest accomplishment?" You would see his eyes light as he talked about his children, Kristen and Matt, his grandchildren, James, Cole, and Madison, He also extended his family, with a loving wife, Trish, together for 23yrs, and created a strong bond with his stepson, Jimmy.

For Bob, there was fun to be had, any time of the year in Cape May NJ. And in the summer sleeping on the beach was one of his favorite pastimes. He also had the trip of a lifetime, to experience Alaska from a cruise ship.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother George and survived by his wife, Patricia "Trish" nee McGovern Linhart, his children, Kristen (Nick) Fylstra, Matt (Lisa) Matson, grandchildren, James and Cole Fylstra and Madison Matson, brothers Tom (Beth) Matson and Eric (Mary Ann) Matson, and stepson, Jim Linhart. Also surviving are Bob's in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many great friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ennoble Hospice and the Homestead Nursing and Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-matson-obituary?id=62321567