Obituary: Ulf T Mattsson

Ulf Mattsson was truly one of a kind.

Originally from Sweden, Ulf eventually made his home in Westport, Connecticut, where he built a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, curiosity, and plenty of laughter. If you knew Ulf, you knew right away that he was exceptionally smart, but his intelligence was only one small part of what made him so memorable. More than anything, Ulf was funny—really funny—and he had a personality that could fill a room. He had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a way of saying things that could make his family laugh long after the moment had passed. He was the kind of person you didn't simply meet; you remembered him.

Subscribe

Above all else, Ulf loved his family. He loved his wife, Catrine, and the life they built together, and some of his happiest moments were the simple ones they shared. The ocean was always a part of Ulf's life. Having grown up sailing in Sweden, he carried that love of the water with him throughout his life, and he and Catrine especially enjoyed walking along the beach together, enjoying the ocean, talking, and simply being together. He also loved golf and had a genuine appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

Ulf was incredibly proud of his children, Johanna and Markus. He loved watching them grow into the people they became and was proud of their accomplishments, their families, and the lives they had built. Being their father was one of the roles he cherished most, and his love and pride in them never wavered.

Ulf also had a deep and lasting love for his mother, Eila, who remained in Sweden. No matter the distance between them, she was always an important part of his life. His Swedish roots and his connection to his family there remained a meaningful part of who he was, and the love he had for his mother was something that stayed with him throughout his life.

Ulf was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and becoming a grandfather gave him another role to cherish. He absolutely adored Charlotte and Ryan and loved watching them grow, making them laugh, teasing them, and being the funny grandfather they will always remember. He had a natural ability to connect with children and loved the energy and laughter they brought into his life. The memories they made together, both big and small, will stay with them forever.

And then there were Odie and Luna, his beloved granddogs, who were every bit as much a part of the family. Ulf had a special softness when it came to them. He loved seeing them, talking to them, spoiling them, and being greeted by them, and their excitement when he was around was always met with plenty of affection and attention. No matter what was happening, Odie and Luna could always get Ulf to stop and give them some love.

Ulf also had a remarkable curiosity about the world. His brilliant mind led him to an extraordinary career in computer security, where he became a respected expert in his field. His work took him around the world, giving him opportunities to meet people and experience places far beyond his home in Connecticut. He shared his knowledge through books, articles, webinars, presentations, and years of work with people and organizations around the globe. He was always learning, asking questions, solving problems, and looking for what was around the next corner. His professional accomplishments were impressive, but what made them particularly special was that they reflected something fundamental about Ulf: he was never done being curious.

Whether he was talking about his work, telling a story, sharing a joke, discussing something he had recently learned, or simply sitting with the people he loved, Ulf made an impression. His voice, his laugh, his humor, his intelligence, his curiosity, and his unmistakable personality will remain a part of the memories of everyone who knew him.

For his family, it is the everyday moments they will miss the most: the conversations and jokes, the family gatherings, the beach walks, watching him make the kids laugh, and seeing the joy on his face when Odie and Luna came running to greet him. Those moments may have seemed ordinary at the time, but they are now some of the most precious memories he leaves behind.

Ulf is survived by his beloved wife, Catrine Mattsson; his daughter, Johanna Hillsberg; his son, Markus Mattsson; his daughter-in-law, Dina Mattsson; his son-in-law, Matthew Hillsberg; his granddaughter, Charlotte Hillsberg; his grandson, Ryan Hillsberg; and his beloved granddogs, Odie and Luna.

Ulf was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed. We will miss his humor, his stories, his opinions, his curiosity, his laugh, and the unmistakable personality that made him Ulf. We will miss the beach walks, family gatherings, watching him make the kids laugh, and seeing the joy on Odie and Luna's faces when they saw him.

Most of all, we will miss simply having him here. We will miss his voice, his laughter, his presence, and all the little moments that made life with him so special.

His love will live on in his family, in the memories we share, and in all the laughter he brought into our lives.

We will love him, remember him, and miss him always.

There will never be another Ulf.

The family will hold a private family service in Ulf's memory. Those wishing to honor Ulf may send their respects to 47 Hills Lane, Westport, CT 06880.