This obituary for J. Richard Mattern II was originally posted Oct. 4. It is being re-posted upon request. Â
The family will host a Celebration of the Life of J. Richard Mattern II on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Clearfield Curwensville Country Club.
J. Richard Mattern II, Esquire died Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. He was 77.
Mr. Mattern was born March 29, 1939 in West Pittston, Pa., to parents, Alethea Jones Mattern and J. Richard Mattern.
He relocated to Clearfield in 1953 to reside with his mother, Alethea Jones Mattern Ulerich and his adoptive father, William Keener Ulerich.
Mr. Mattern attended the Clearfield Area High School. He won the title of Pennsylvania JV wrestling champion in 1954.
He subsequently matriculated into Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, Pa., where he was captain of the Mercersburg wrestling team. He graduated in 1958.
Prior to his high school graduation, Mr. Mattern earned the title of Eagle Scout and was awarded Palms in 1956.
He completed his undergraduate education at Colgate University in New York in 1962, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in philosophy and was the Colgate University wrestling team captain.
Thereafter, he earned his Juris Doctorate from The Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pa., in 1965.
Following his admission into the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Mr. Mattern returned to Clearfield and established a private legal practice.
He dedicated the majority of his career to public service, having worked as the Clearfield County mental health review officer and as the county’s Domestic Relations solicitor.
He was active in fundraising for numerous political candidates and officials of local and state offices. He also raised money for the United Way, and as Clearfield County chairman, he was the first to hit the $100,000 mark.
He also served on the Clearfield County Planning Committee. After his professional retirement, he served as chairman of the Lawrence Township Planning Committee.
Mr. Mattern was also a member of the Jaffa Shrine Club and the Clearfield Shrine Oriental Band for nearly two decades.
An avid golfer, Mr. Mattern enjoyed his foursome teams and annual group travels to Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina. On Sept. 1, 2008, he scored a hole-in-one at the Clearfield Curwensville Country Club, an achievement that he treasured.
On June 12, 1987, he married his wife, Deborah A. Mattern, who survives.
Mr. Mattern is also survived by his son, William Ulerich Mattern and his wife, Heather of Maryville, Tenn.; his son, Richard Kemple Mattern, his wife, Jennifer and their children, Rowan and Brenna of Sarasota, Fla.; his daughter, Christine J. Kutch, her companion, Timothy Ryan and their son, Taylor Kutch; and his daughter, Melanie S. Croyle, her husband, David and their children, Ethan and Elliott.
He is also survived by a sister, Pamela Ellen Bell and her husband, Hiram of North Carolina and their children, Mary Elizabeth and David; a brother, Charles Mattern of North Carolina; and a sister, Constance Ulerich Meaney and her husband, Raymond, of San Francisco, Calif.
Mr. Mattern was preceded in death by his parents, Alethea Jones Mattern Ulerich, William Keener Ulerich, Audrey Mattern, J. Richard Mattern and a brother, Stephen Mattern.
Mr. Mattern was Lutheran by faith.
Based upon Mr. Mattern’s adoration of and devotion to his canine companions throughout his lifetime, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Animal Welfare Council/Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic, Woodland, PA 16881, in care of: Kimberly McKenrick.
The family will host a Celebration of the Life of J. Richard Mattern II on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Clearfield Curwensville Country Club.
