Richard Matthews

1935 - 2016

MATTHEWS Dr. Richard Matthews, 80 of Tavernier died March 23, 2016. Dr. Matthews was born on Oct. 1, 1935 to Frances Leidinger and Thomas Ralph Matthews in Norwalk Conn. Dr. Matthews served in the US Army; stationed in Korea and Germany. Following his discharge he utilized the GI bill to attend college, obtaining Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Indiana State College and ultimately graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1973 with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Looking to move his young family to a warmer climate he accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Guidance Clinic of the Upper Keys in Key Largo that same year. Dr. Matthews presided over the Clinic for the next 30 years. While he took great pride in all of the services provided by the Clinic, he was particularly proud of the crisis work he did with Mariner's Hospital and the Monroe County Sherriff's Office, as well as the Clinic's expansion into a significant focus on children's mental health services in the eighties. In recent days the family has been gratified and touched by the outpouring of love and respect for the man he was and his service to the Upper Keys Community. He is survived by his wife Deborah, his sons Christopher (Janet) and Timothy (Lori), grandchildren Nicholas (Danielle), Tamarind, Braden, Tyler, Kelsey and Tyler Gautier, great grandchildren Trinity, Sierra, and Nancy Acs and Jacob Matthews. He will live in their hearts forever. A celebration of life is scheduled for April 16th 3:30PM at Craig's Restaurant at MM 90. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to the charity of your choice.