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Robert W. Matson, 95, of 10 Church Street, Randolph, passed away on Monday (September 28, 2026) with his family at his side.
Mr. Matson was born May 24, 1931 in Medina, NY, the son of the late William H. and Ethel (Palmer) Matson. He grew up in Medina where he met his wife of 69 years (Millicent Arnett) and graduated from Medina High School. He was always proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and that he set a high school record for running the mile. He attended Cornell University before leaving to begin his career in dairy farming.
His strong interest in agriculture, energy, and optimism led him to start and grow a number of successful businesses including Zahm & Matson (John Deere farm equipment), Matson Auction & Real Estate Company, Matson Farms (dairy replacement heifers), and Frew Run Gravel Products. Despite his success in several businesses, he said that it was agriculture that he loved most. Bob shared his success with others by partnering in their business ventures and providing financing for individuals buying farms and homes.
In addition to his business interests, he was a licensed single engine pilot, had a Coast Guard captains license, and enjoyed playing tennis. He and the co-pilot of his success, Millie, twice completed The Great Loop, the circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Bob was a lifelong member of the Randolph United Presbyterian Church and the Randolph Lions Club, of which he had been a member since 1963. He also served in the Cattaraugus County Legislature, was Supervisor of the Town of Conewango, and President of the New York State Auctioneers Association. He regularly put his auctioneering skills to use in fund raising auctions for various community groups and the Amish community.
Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth M. "Betsy" Jenkins and husband Jim of Lilburn, GA, five sons; Robert Arnett Matson and wife Shanna of Hamburg, NY, Timothy T. Matson and wife Deborah of Old Saybrook, CT, David A. Matson and wife Brenda of Lake View, NY, James W. Matson and wife Susan of Randolph, NY and Douglas R. Matson, also of Randolph.
He is additionally survived by 13 grandchildren; Dana Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins, Eliza (Kevin) Matson, Robert E. (Shannon) Matson, Noa (Nikhil) Matson, Mallory (Scott) Matson, Jessica (Harry) Matson, Lee (Siobhan) Fitzgerald-Matson, Sophia Matson, Katherine Matson, Emily Matson, Evan Matson, and Dylan Matson; plus five great grandchildren, Silannah Fitzgerald-Matson, Kate Kaiser, Theo Patel, Nate Curry, and Olive Baron, and several nieces and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, William and John, and his wife, Millicent, October 1, 2020.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, October 2, 2026 in the Van Rensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street, Randolph, NY. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday at the Randolph United Presbyterian Church. Pastor Mike Trenchard will officiate. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.
To leave a condolence, log onto www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Randolph Free Library or the Randolph United Presbyterian Church.