J. Gray Mattern

J. Gray Mattern, age 82, 7 Grotto Drive, Danville and formerly of West Fifth Street, Bloomsburg, died at 10:07 a. m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the Emmanuel Center For Nursing, Danville, where he was a patient for 12 days.

Born in Pittsburgh on February 12, 1929, he was the only child of the late Joseph and Iris (Evans) Mattern. He resided in Bloomsburg since 1969 and moved to Danville in December, 2010.

Gray was a 1946 graduate of Baldwin Township High School, Allegheny County. He went on to receive his Batchelor’s degree from Penn State University in 1950 and his Master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1960.

He was employed by the former First Eastern Bank from 1960 to 1985 when he retired. At the time of his retirement he was the vice-president in charge of the Bloomsburg office.

Gray was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bloomsburg, where he served as the treasurer, member of the Session and trustee. He also was active in the Northumberland Presbytry.

A long time member of the Bloomsburg Rotary Club, he was a past president , was the treasurer for many years;   a Paul Harris fellow and served as club historian.

He was a member of the George M. Dallas Lodge 531, F & AM, Dallas.

Gray was active in agricultural banking activities during his banking career, assisting 4-H Clubs and also the annual 4-H animal auction.

He served with the US Navy for four years during the Korean War and was stationed on Guam for two of those years.

A son, Paul Mattern, preceded him in death in 1998.

Surviving are his wife, the former Jeannette Hunt, with whom he celebrated his 56th wedding anniversary on November 13, 2010; three children: Susan Mattern, wife of Andres Montes, Tacoma,  Wash.; David Mattern, and his wife Leslie, Albuquerque, New Mex.;  Sarah Mattern, San Francisco, Calif.;  and four grandchildren. He was the last of his immediate family.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at 10:30 a. m. in First Presbyterian Church, 345 Market St., Bloomsburg, with his former pastor, Rev. Stephen L. Cureton officiating.

Friends may call at the Church from 9:30 to 10:30 a. m. The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 345 market St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.