HOLLISTON - Vernon E. Matley of Holliston has passed from our world on Thursday November 17, 2011 at the age of 91. He was the husband of Pauline A. (Milligan) Matley who passed in 1994. For 44 years Vern and Polly were a wonderful team that produced and provided for three children. He was born and raised in Pawtucket, R.I., the son of the late John and Ethel Fair (Holt) Matley. Vern spent 32 years with General Electric Co. after earning an engineering degree from the then College of Rhode Island (now University of Rhode Island) subsequent to his service in the Philippines and Marianna Islands during WWII. His contribution to community was through the VFW lodge in Framingham, where he served as the Commander, the Framingham PTA where he served as Treasurer, and especially the Framingham DeMolay, where he was a Dad advisor for many years. A member of North Star Masonic Lodge in Ashland for more than 60 years, he lived the altruistic goals of that organization, hosted the neighborhood poker game on Friday nights and was quite capable of reciting poetry whenever the occasion needed some levity or lyrical distraction.

He is survived by two sons, John C. Matley of Lowell, Michael C. Matley of Holliston and a daughter, Susan E. Schoop of Bolton; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. We, his children, regret his passing and applaud his life, his role in our lives, and the clear example he provided of what a good life should be. We are sure that any donations to the Framingham DeMolay would be something he would appreciate and would allow his ideals to move forward.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home ( www.CollinsFuneral.com ), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. Following cremation burial will be private. There are no calling hours. All are invited to sign Vern's online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com .