Harold L. "Sonny" Mattson, 88, of Downsville passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, NY, following a short illness.

Sonny was born on December 29, 1928 in Jersey City, NJ the son of the late Harold R. and Linnea (Johnson) Mattson. He married "the love of his life", Ellen Brown on August 30, 1953. Together they raised six children on their dairy farm in Downsville. She passed away at home last spring after an extended illness on April 25, 2016. On March 29, Sonny rejoined his bride in heaven.

As a youth, Sonny developed a love for farming from visiting his grandparent's farm in Andes. He was a paratrooper in the Army for two years before marrying his high school sweetheart, Ellen. He and Ellen rented a dairy farm in the Finger Lakes region and then returned to Downsville to purchase the current Harmonie Farms. Sonny successfully ran the dairy farm for many years before transferring it to his sons, Michael and Mark. Throughout his lifetime Sonny was active in several community organizations. He was a member of the Colchester Community United Methodist Church and the Downsville Lions Club for 35 years of which he was active president for the past nine years. Sonny was a former member and past president of the Downsville Central School Board, and a former member of Farm Bureau and the Andes Creamery Board.

In his later years, Sonny enjoyed spending time with his family, dancing, camping, and traveling annually with his wife to St. Martin, playing Bocce Ball on Telford Hollow, cutting firewood, watching MASH, participating in fundraisers for the Lion's Club, and having coffee with his friends at the Downsville Diner. As his responsibilities lessened on the farm he became a more active member of the Colchester Community Church and for several years has provided the church with a fresh cut Christmas tree.

Sonny is survived by his loving family. His children: Michael and Kate Mattson, Downsville; Mark and Kim Mattson, Downsville; Anne Czymmek, Freeville; Amber and Peter Heimbuecher, Downsville; Amy and David Hornburg, Groveland; his grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica, Kathryn and Zach, Steven and Kirstie, Andrew and Wendy; Kelsey and Steven, Collin and Rachel, Cameron, and Olivia; Mallory and Justin, Linnea and Travis, and Jessica; Meredith, Madeline, and William; Eric; Ellen and Scott, Clayton and Kelsey, Blake, and Heidi. His step grandchildren: Amanda, Travis and Andrea; Kathie and Chris, Robert and Kelly; David, Jennifer and Cliff; 13 great grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mahlon and Dee Brown of VA, and his sister-in-law Doris Brown of FL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Ellen Brown Mattson, daughter, Heather Linnea Mattson June, his granddaughter, Emily Ruth Czymmek, and his brother-in-law, Bill Brown.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Courtney Funeral Home 25 Townsend Street, Walton.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 12 noon at the Colchester Community Church, 15151 State Highway 30, Downsville with the Rev. Dale Ashby, officiating.

Memorial Contributions in Sonny's memory may be made to the Colchester Community Church, Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, New York 13820, or Downsville Lions Club, Attn: John Hampel, 26669 Stat Highway 206, Downsville, New York 13755.