Edward Folger Matteson, III

Edward “Ted” Folger Matteson, III
March 2, 1940 – November 1, 2025

Edward “Ted” Folger Matteson, III, passed away peacefully at Mountain Manor on November 1, 2025, in Carmichael, California, with quiet strength and grace after a very brief battle with advanced pancreatic cancer. He was 85 years old and had been in declining health for several years.

Born on March 2, 1940, in Pasadena, California, Ted was the son of Joy Folger Matteson and Eleanor Eckart Matteson, and the proud grandson of Nelson A. and Josephine Donaldson Eckart of San Francisco. His family’s San Franciscan roots spanned generations, a legacy he cherished deeply. He is a Mayflower descendant.

Ted spent his early childhood in San Marino, California, before the family settled in Palo Alto where he grew up at their home in Crescent Park. He attended Crescent Park Elementary school, Jordan Junior High and graduated from Palo Alto High School, and went on to study at Menlo College before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Ted served in the National Guard, completing basic training at Ft. Benning in Georgia, and subsequently stationed at Fort Ord, California. He began his professional career in banking with Wells Fargo, ultimately serving as a senior credit officer in Palo Alto and later in the Burlingame offices. In 1968, he married Marcia Louise Eckerle, and the couple relocated to the Sacramento area, where Ted began a successful new chapter at Hubacher Cadillac. There he discovered his true professional calling—sharing his lifelong passion for fine automobiles. His warmth, sincerity, and enthusiasm for cars made him a favorite among customers and colleagues alike.

In early 1982, Ted and Marcia adopted their son and joy of their lives, Brad Andrew Matteson. One of Ted’s proudest and happiest moments. Following a divorce, Ted remained in the Sacramento area for several years before returning to Menlo Park in 2000 to join Anderson Cadillac, a successor to the former Shepard Cadillac of Menlo Park. He later returned once again to Sacramento, where he continued to make meaningful connections through his work and friendships until his health decline brought him to Mountain Manor, a multi-level care senior facility.

Those who knew Ted remember him for claiming that he was Edward Folger Matteson, III (he wanted very much to be a "third" after his great-grandfather and grandfather, yet it skipped a generation with his Dad's first name being Joy, so we are honoring his fervent wish now in his memorial), his wry sense of humor, unmistakable side-glance smile, impeccable clothing style, and his love of family, music, cars and the simple pleasures—he never turned down a good milkshake or ice cream dessert. Favorite memories included many family trips to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island, a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal, and his "bucket list" trip to see the golf greats play at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia.

Ted was predeceased by his parents, Joy Folger and Eleanor Eckart Matteson; his sister, Sally Matteson Shepard Loudy; and brothers-in-law, Harold Williams Shepard, Jr. and David Clark Loudy, his former spouse, Marcia Eckerle Matteson Martin, and his dear grandparents, aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his beloved son, Brad A. Matteson; his sister, Rebecca Matteson Nelson, and brother-in-law, John Randolph Nelson, who managed his care oversight for almost 25 years; nephews and niece Robert T. Shepard (Celia), Brian F. Shepard (Maggie)), Douglas C. Shepard (Natalie), and Lisa Carlisle Shepard Reid (Craig); and grandnieces and grandnephews Kiera A. Shepard, Marissa C. Shepard, Eleanor "Ellie" C. Shepard, Luella R. Shepard, Duncan W. Shepard, Ava C. Auffret, and Alexa C. Reid. Ted also leaves behind many cousins and lifelong friends who will remember him fondly.

A private family remembrance will be held to celebrate Ted’s life. We extend heartfelt thanks to Aja, Eric, Adriana, and all the staff at Mountain Manor for their daily compassion and care for many years, as well as to the physicians and staff at Mercy San Juan Hospital for their kindness and support in Ted’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Ted’s memory to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health for oncology research, or to a charity of your choice.

Ted’s life was one of quiet kindness and steadfast family love. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

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