Obituary of George F. Mattfeld

Dr.  George Francis Mattfeld
May 2, 1941 – December 22, 2024
age 83

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Francis Mattfeld, 83, of Voorheesville, NY, who passed away on December 22, 2024.  George was born on May 2, 1941, on Long Island.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Mattfeld, Susan (Robert) Bollentin, Steven (Tracy) Mattfeld, Ann (Peyton) Moore, William (Elin) Mattfeld, George A. (Ashley) Mattfeld and Christian (Mako) Scharl. George is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Anna, Matthew (Chelsea) and Jacob Feller; Sarah and John Mattfeld; Ryan Moore; Cordelia Chesson, Isabella and Frances Mattfeld; and three step-grandchildren, Jessica (Sean) Wilkinson, Kathryn (Doug) LaPenta and Andrea (Thomas) Kearney. George Mattfeld was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann Mattfeld, and survived by his partner in adventures during his final years, Gail Michalak.

George was also preceded in death by his mother and father, Frances L. and William Mattfeld, brother, Thomas Mattfeld and son-in-law Peyton Moore.  He is survived by his sister Edythe Dodge and brother John Mattfeld.

He earned his first university degree from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in 1962 and returned after receiving his master’s degree at the University of Michigan, to receive his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology in 1974 from SUNY ESF.  George always embraced learning and research which was perhaps best evident in his work in Newcomb, NY as a Senior Researcher at the Adirondack Ecological Center and in his contributions to numerous journal articles and books about white-tailed deer.  The family fondly remembers feeding, monitoring and even George running alongside the deer.  George Mattfeld retired after more than 21 years with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.   

George was known for his many talents. He loved to hunt, fish, fix cars and travel.  In November, you would always find George hunting out of the ‘Green Hotel’ in the Adirondacks, enjoying the great outdoors and a lifetime of close friendships.  George was passionate about supporting his children and grandchildren at sporting events and had a reputation for “helping” the referees if they made a poor call.  Also, he could often be found working on his Austin Healey or one of the kids’ cars, but everyone avoided holding the light whenever possible.  His love for the Adirondacks, fishing for tuna, traveling and new adventures, as well as music, mostly jazz, and art continues through his children and grandchildren.

Services to celebrate the life of George Francis Mattfeld will be held on Saturday, December 28th at 10:00 am at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Voorheesville, NY. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th from 4 – 8 pm at Reilly & Son Funeral Home in Voorheesville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's honor to:

Adirondack Council

103 Hand Ave Suite 3

PO Box D-2

Elizabethtown, NY 12932

518.873.2240

info@adirondackcouncil.org

or 

ESF College Foundation
Centennial Hall - West Entrance
PO Box 6486
Syracuse, NY 13217-6486

We will carry George Mattfeld’s memory in our hearts forever.