JULY 2, 2014
TOM MATHEWS
BOARDMAN – Tom Mathews, 66, passed away July 2, 2014, after a sudden illness while vacationing with family in South Carolina. Tom was born Jan. 27, 1948, in Youngstown, to John and Julia (Bees) Mathews. Tom has been a lifelong resident of Mahoning County, growing up on Youngstown’s north side and residing in Boardman for the last 35 years.
He graduated from Ursuline High School in 1966. He retired from UPS, after a 25-year career, in 1994. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in 2008 from Youngstown State University. Later that year, he became a Licensed Social Worker. Tom served on the board of Gateways to Better Living, Inc. and the Mahoning County Board of MRDD.
He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, where he served on many ministries including Men’s Club, adult server, bereavement group, St. Vincent DePaul and pastoral council. Tom also loved to watch college football and basketball. He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Tom was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Barbara (Carney), his childhood friend, whom he married on Nov. 15, 1969.
He leaves behind his children, Tommy of Youngstown, Dan (Katie) of Columbus and Martha Altman (Toledo). He also leaves five grandchildren, Keegan, Maguire, Carson, Molly and Kelli; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves his beloved goldendoodle, Lily. Tom leaves behind his brother, Jack (Marge) of Tega Cay, S.C., and a sister, Patty Pancoe (Paul) of Youngstown. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Barbara; and his sister, Kelly.
Tom’s family will receive family and friends Tuesday evening, July 8, 2014, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McVean, Hughes & McClurkin Funeral Home, 711 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505. There will be a funeral Mass Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at St Charles Borromeo Church at 11 a.m.
There will be prayers at the McVean, Hughes & McClurkin Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m., prior to the church Mass. Arrangements by the McVean, Hughes & McClurkin Funeral Home.
William Gambrel
Tom and I were good friends. One night we were walking from Rayen Stadium to Ursuline when a car full of presumably Rayen students pulled to the curb and hurled threatening statements our way. Too small and frozen in our tracks, Tom and I didn't know what to do. From out of nowhere, Jack Matthews, Tommy's older brother, and a car full of tough Ursuline guys pulled into the driveway in front of us, got out and made threats of their own. With a puff of smoke and squealing tires, never had Rayen students scadaddled so quickly since those who had the misfortune of meeting up with Eddie O'Neill in Wick Park. And so it went. Over the years we'd run into each other usually while he was on his route. Character was not a trait we sought out when we were young, but I can vouch for Tommy's and wife Barbara's as they met challenges that certainly I never encountered. Tom was not one to toot his own horn, but he did tell me about getting his degree after retirement and I learned on my own of his devotion to the cause of the behaviorly challenged. Five years ago at the Croation Club I spent the better part of my evening in conversation with a jovial Tommy Matthews, the guy we all remember. He told me when he was faced with a situation that required Barbara's input, he took his young Tommy to Calvery Cemetary where they held family meetings. It was very touching to hear him talk. I felt honored that he shared something that personal with me. That is the Tommy Matthews knew and I am better for having had the privilege.