Obituary of Charles F. Matthews

After a full life, Charles F. Matthews passed away peacefully on 6 July 2016 at age 89. All will remember a man of great integrity dedicated to providing for his family and serving his friends and community. He and his wife Doris (Scott) married 63 years, have been active members of the Youngstown community for the last 40 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, James (Joanne) of Pensacola, Florida and Bruce (Carol) and their children, Leah, Hannah and Madeline of Youngstown, NY. Charles, son of Frederick and Grace (Wademan) Matthews grew up in the DeVeaux neighborhood of Niagara Falls, attending the DeVeaux School. He served in the Army toward the end of World War II travelling half way round the world for duty in Guam with the heavy auto maintenance group. After his military service he returned to his studies at the University of Buffalo graduating in 1951 with a business degree. Chuck and Doris married in 1953 and settled into their working years moving between WNY and Long Island while working for Hooker Chemical as a purchasing agent. They returned to Youngstown in 1975, later retiring after 28 years. After retiring he drove a school bus for 19 years; he said it was a dream job. Chuck loved being on the water, and for several years sailed "Chador" with the Catalina 22 group. He was a devoted and long-serving deacon of the First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown and an active member of the Wednesday fix-it group. He was also proud of his service in the Niagara County Big Brother program. Chuck was a voracious reader and enjoyed relaxing in his chair keeping up with multiple sports. A highlight of his later years was watching and cheering on his three grandchildren at sporting events and school activities. Living life simply, he was a loving husband, a wonderful father and mentor for his sons and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and community. A memorial service, followed by Military Honors, will be held Tuesday, July 12, at 12:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St., Youngstown, with the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY.