Mattesen, Russell T.
Russell T. Mattesen, 90, of Windsor Locks, beloved husband of Eleanor (Gilman) Mattesen, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at home surrounded by family. Born in Stafford Springs, CT on September 15, 1932, he was the son of the late Charles and Doris (Burdick) Mattesen and grew up in Stafford, moving to Windsor Locks in 1955. While in Stafford, Russell played high school basketball and was on the All-state team in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart Eleanor Gilman in 1952 and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Russell and Eleanor were blessed with 5 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Whether it was the New York Yankees, Hartford Whalers, or UCONN Basketball, Russell loved sports. As a dedicated coach for over five decades, Russ touched the lives of many athletes in men's softball and baseball. Russell coached Windsor Locks Little League from 1962 to 1976, where he achieved one of his proudest accomplishments when he coached and won the Little League World Series Championship in 1965. Russell then continued his coaching career by coaching Men's Softball for many years and concluded his career by coaching American Legion Baseball. Russ was a quiet, humble leader, and a fine role model for the many athletes he coached.
Russell started his professional career at Hamilton Standard in 1956, and also owned and operated Mattesen's Sports Shop for several years in the 1970s. A loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and dedicated coach and mentor, Russ Mattesen will be missed by his family and many friends. Besides his beloved wife, Eleanor, he leaves 5 children, Maureen Lisotto and her husband John, Rusty Mattesen, Gary Mattesen and his wife June, Sharon Pfaffenbichler and her husband Ken, and Thomas Mattesen and his wife Michele. Russell also leaves 11 grandchildren, David (Kim), Shayla, Michelle (Adam), Bobby (Josh), Timmy, Sarah, Corey (Nicole), Charles (Sarah), Casey (Shawna), Robert (Andrea), and Dillon (Lauren); and 10 great-grandchildren, Bryce, Brayden, Maddox, Julian, Kayden, Shelby, Caleb, Mason, Gianna, and Carter. Russ's family would like to thank his home health aide Emma for her constant support, compassionate care and friendship over the past several months. Last but not least, they would also like to thank the wonderful hospice nurses and staff from Accentcare.
His family will receive friends on Thursday, June 1, from 4-7 PM at Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks. Funeral services will be held privately for the family. Memorial donations may be made to Windsor Locks Little League Baseball. For online condolences, please visit www.windsorlocksfuneralhome. com.