George E. Mattegat, Sr, moved to Newtown from Monroe when he was 21 years old. He spent the next 66 years of his life here, before moving to The Villages in Florida in 2014. On January 6, at the age of 87, Mr Mattegat died at Leesburgh Hospital in Florida, surrounded by his family.The Newtown Bee to share their thoughts on the life and loss of George E. Mattegat, Sr.here.

During his time living in town, Mr Mattegat greatly impacted the community and the lives of those who knew him.

A few members from town spoke with

Ken "Pappy" Carlson was both a friend and fellow Life Member of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company. In memory of Mr Mattegat he said, "I've known George for 40 years and have never met anyone who found it so easy to carry on a conversation with strangers. Yet being involved in so many organizations, he knew most people in town and everyone knew him. We were on several committees together in the Sandy Hook Fire Department, and I remember the many LobsterFests we spent directing traffic and parking cars in the rain and heat. He was a great man and will be sorely missed."

Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Chief Bill Halstead also spoke highly of Mr Mattegat, saying, "I'd known George for the better part of my life and got to know him personally. He was an excellent member of the firehouse and an outstanding member of the community. He was always willing to help everyone. I couldn't speak more highly of him; he was a great guy."

Sergeant Aaron Bahamonde of Newtown Police Department offered his condolences for the loss of Mr Mattegat. "It was with great sadness, after we learned the news of George's passing, here at the police department. Never have I met a more dedicated public servant... I cannot ever remember seeing him without a smile," Sgt Bahamonde said. "Our collective prayers are with the Mattegat family as they deal with this most difficult time."

Mr Mattegat was also a past member and former president of Newtown Lions Club while he lived in town. Newtown Lions Club member Bruce Landgrebe said, "George was a wonderful guy who was always thinking of others in whatever he did. He was an outstanding member of the community.

"He had a garbage collection business when I first came to Newtown, and he happened to see my wife dragging the garbage can out of the garage, while seven months pregnant with my youngest daughter," Mr Landgrebe said. "He jumped out of his truck and called to Jane, 'What are you doing?' and took the garbage can to his truck and dumped it. He told her to leave the garage door open, and would take the garbage out and put the empty can back. He continued to do that for as long as he had the business."

Mr Landgrebe also recalled the time when Mr Mattegat was the animal control officer in town and responded to a call about a Shepherd mix named Maggi running loose in the street. Mr Landgrebe's wife had been out searching for their dog, as well, and he remembers how Mr Mattegat was helpful and considerate while responding to the call.

After Mr Mattegat moved to Florida, Mr Landgrebe and his wife took time to visit Mr Mattegat.

"We came down to The Villages in Florida last year and renewed our acquaintance with George and his wife, Carol, and we had a ball," Mr Landgrebe said. "We will really miss him with all his humor and kindness. Newtown is a better place as a result of George. We need more George Mattegats in Newtown."

For full service details and to learn more about the life of George Mattegat, his obituary can be read