Bruce G. Matteson

Bruce G. Matteson

Deansboro-Bruce George Matteson, 85, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026, quietly in his sleep.

He was born in Utica on February 11, 1940, the son of the late Hugh Matteson and Edith Maine Matteson. Bruce was raised in Oriskany Falls and graduated from Oriskany Falls Union High School.  On November 6, 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy Riggleman, in Arlington, Virginia.  Their loving union of 50 years saw the birth of their three children: Bruce, Jody, and Kevin.  In 1958, when Bruce was 18, his family relocated to their present home in Deansboro.  At that time, Bruce went to work for a local dairy until he purchased their route in 1970 and from this Vernon Dairy was born. It was in Bruce’s nature that each person on his route was a friend and never thought of them as a customer.  While most of the world was asleep, in the early hours of the morning, Bruce was working on his route taking care of home deliveries, restaurants, and smaller retailers with quality milk, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products.   Bruce and Nancy had also co-owned the B & F Milk Center in Whitesboro for many years. Together, their love for each other brought many joyous memories for Bruce and family until Nancy’s passing in 2015.  Although there are several throughout his life, one of Bruce’s proudest moments was when his sons, Bruce and Kevin, joined the family business.  Together as a family, they kept Bruce founding vision as a customer first business, moving forward into the future.  Today, from its humble beginning Bruce’s vision, Vernon Dairy is a thriving business, proud of its superior customer service; still delivering to homes, restaurants and retail customers.  Bruce’s legacy was in his saying, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”  Bruce loved his customers and people he met along his delivery route; he had innate ability to make a stranger, his friend in one conversation. He loved making the daily deliveries, and riding on the delivery truck for 54 years, until his health forced him off the milk truck in 2024.  Because of the nature of their business, Bruce and Nancy would always make special times for their children and grandchildren. They also made their Deansboro home a family gathering place; where family and friends would gather, and many good times and memories were made.   Bruce and his family were familiar faces in many diners and restaurants that were his customers; as he felt as they supported his business; he would return their trust by supporting their business. Bruce was a devoted member of the Deansboro United Methodist Church where he was a trustee.  He was also the head dishwasher following many church dinners.  Known as Mr. Blue Eyes, Bruce always had a big smile that would brighten anyone’s day. 

Bruce is survived by his beloved and cherished family; his son Bruce Matteson of Lowell; his daughter and son-in-law, Jody and John Scoones, of Deansboro; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Veronica Matteson, of Deansboro; his beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Jessica, Andrew (Ashely), and Rachael Scoones, Marissa Rice, and his great grandson John David Scoones; his sister-in-law Norma Wuethrich and a brother-in-law, John Melvin. Bruce also leaves behind a very special person, that he cared for like his own sister, Sharon Scott.  Bruce is also survived by numerous nieces, nephew, beloved close friends, and 54 years of special customers and friends that he met while traveling along “life’s highway.”

Bruce is preceded in death by his mother and father Hugh and Edith; his beloved and cherished wife Nancy; his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Virginia Matteson; a sister Dawn Melvin; and a brother-in-law Ronald Wuethrich.

Bruce’s family is forever grateful for the many special people that assisted in the care of Bruce during his time of failing health over the last two years, especially Brittany.  Many heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Waterville Residential Care Center.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours for Bruce on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1-4 PM, at the Paul Funeral Home of Madison, 3592 South Street in Madison.  His funeral will commence at 2 PM on Sunday January 18, 2026, at the Deansboro United Methodist Church, 2695 State Route 12 B in Deansboro, with the Reverend Jennifer Neidhart, Pastor officiating, and Reverend Raymond Lighthall, as guest eulogist.  Spring interment will be in the Deansboro Cemetery. Compassionate and personal care is being provided for Bruce and his family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  

To offer a condolence, please visit:paulfuneralhome.net

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Bruce’s name to either the Deansboro Cemetery Association, 2809 State Route 12B, Deansboro, New York 13328 or the Deansboro United Methodist Church, 2695 State Route 12B, Deansboro, New York 13328

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