Robert “Bob” Mattson, 92, of New Castle, DE passed away on June 29,2023. He was born April 21, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, but spent most of his childhood in Worcester, MA, where he began swimming at the Worcester Boys and Girls club. He then went to prep school and was offered a scholarship to swim at North Carolina State University. At NC State, he continued to excel at swimming and became an NCAA champion and received All American honors. He held both world and American records in the breaststroke and 400 IM events. Bob graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and accepted a job at Joseph Bancroft Co in Wilmington, DE. It was at this time Bob began his swim coaching career. In 1967, he decided to quit his job as a chemist and pursue his passion for swimming, beginning his lifelong legacy of coaching. He built Wilmington Aquatic Club (WAC) in New Castle, DE which would become a powerhouse for Delaware swimmers. Bob has coached several state, regional, national, and Olympic swimmers. He was well known for his “Out of the Box” thinking both in and out of the pool and for developing and guiding many elite swimmers. Bob was inducted into North Carolina State University swimming hall of fame, the Delaware Sports hall of fame, and the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) hall of fame.

Bob married Nancy Haubein in 1960 and had two children Eric and Jennifer. He also has a son, Steve, from a previous marriage. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his children and their spouses: Eric (Shelly), Jennifer (Eric), Steve (Doris- deceased). He has seven grandchildren Brady, Kate, Elizabeth, Tori, John, Becky, and Brandy.

A celebration of life will be held at the Talleyville Fire hall in Wilmington, DE on August 26th 1-4 pm. Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Worcester, MA Boys and girls club https://app.donorview.com/PbXEO or to WAC Wilmington Aquatic Club https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/mawac/page/tumoney