Francis "Chris" Mathison, Jr.

Francis Christy Mathison, Jr., age 81, of Central Square, passed away peacefully on June 28.

Francis, affectionately known to friends and family as "Chris," served in the maintenance department for the United States Postal Service for over 28 years. It was during his time with the Postal Service that he met the love of his life, Linda Cruz, who preceded him in death.

Chris was widely recognized by colleagues and friends for his unwavering dedication, extensive knowledge, and strong work ethic. Prior to his postal career, he proudly served in the United States Air Force for more than five and a half years as a firefighter. His lifelong commitment to service continued well beyond his military duty, as he generously shared his skills and expertise with several volunteer fire departments.

Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoyed fishing and golf, but his greatest passion was taking things apart and rebuilding them. He possessed a remarkable ability to understand how complex mechanisms worked and was uniquely gifted at restoring and repairing almost anything.

He passed that talent on to his son, James Christy Mathison, who also turned that shared passion into a career before preceding him in death.

Chris was also a talented artist with a particular gift for drawing, an artistic ability he further developed while attending Syracuse University. He deeply cherished the time spent with family and friends, especially during holidays and annual vacations to Sandy Pond and Myrtle Beach, as well as trips exploring coastal communities up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Chris is survived by his stepchildren, Micah Cruz and Rebecca Cruz; his granddaughter, Lisette Delee; his brother, Lawrence Mathison (Debby Sauer Mathison); and his nephew, Dr. Michael Mathison. In addition to his wife, Linda, and his son, James, he was predeceased by his stepson, Jeremy “JJ” Cruz.

Chris will be remembered for the vibrant life he lived, the deep relationships he built, and the enduring example he set through his character, craftsmanship, and dedication to those around him.

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