On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Robert Clark Mathews – a caring son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away at the age of 83 in Cortez, FL.

Robert was born on September 13, 1937 in Milton, MA to the parents of the late Henry and Jane Mathews. An avid athlete, Robert graduated from North High School in Worcester, MA. He then attended Kimball Union Academy in Meridan, NH. At 21 years old, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served two years of active duty. Following his dedicated service, he attended Worcester Junior College in Worcester, MA before graduating from Clark University in Worcester, MA.

Robert followed his father's footsteps into the steel industry working a majority of his career at Thompson Wire Company (later becoming Thompson Steel Company). Starting as a clerk in Worcester, MA, he rose to Production Manager in Franklin Park, IL and then Vice President in Canton, MA. After a brief departure to become President of Whittar Steel Company in Detroit, MI, he returned to Thompson Steel in Illinois where he finished his career before beginning a 16-year retirement with his wife, Agnes, to the warm temperatures and blue water of Cortez, Florida.

Robert was compassionate toward both two-legged and four-legged "people". Whether for a close family member or a casual acquaintance or co-worker, he was very generous providing assistance to those in need. That generosity included his extended animal family of both his own pets but also those of anyone who lived nearby. Any neighborhood dog couldn't walk by Robert's home without stopping for a treat. He was known as "The Mayor" of his neighborhood.

An avid sportsman, but especially a dedicated golfer, Robert's passion for the game was shared with multiple generations of his family. Whether at a driving range, local municipal course, or at a vacation destination, Robert would use the opportunity to share stories and life lessons with family and friends. An infamous "ball hawk", Robert would also collect and donate thousands of golf balls to both children's golf programs and strangers in the parking lot.

He leaves his wife Agnes M. Mathews, of 56 years, two sons Mark G. Mathews of Naperville, IL, and Michael C. Mathews of Napa, CA, his three granddaughters, Sarah N. Mathews of Kissimmee, FL, Laura E. Mathews of New York, NY, and Marloe Ada Lucy Mathews of Napa, CA, his sister Sibyl Hezlett of Topsfield, MA, and his late brother, Henry Mathews Jr. Robert also had three nieces and two nephews.

He will be buried on Cape Cod in Yarmouth, MA, where he spent many summers as a youth and summered for most of his retirement. This will happen at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request any donations honoring Robert to be made to:

The Humane Society of Manatee County

Second Chance Adoption Center

2515 14th Street W. Bradenton, FL 34205

941-747-8808

Or

Tidwell Hospice of Bradenton

5955 Rand Blvd

Sarasota, FL 34238

941-894-1777

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naperville Sun on Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mathews

3 Entries

Drew Douglas

January 14, 2021

There was not a dog walking in the neighborhood who would not stop and stand in Bob’s driveway waiting for his/her treat and a pat from Bob. Our Charlie was among them. My treat was having a chat with Bob and listening to his stories. RIP, Bob. We are sorry for your loss, Agnes and family.

Fred and Nancy Rader

December 31, 2020

Our deepest sympathies to Agnes and family.
Bob was a caring neighbor and the love of our Indy´s life.
Indy always looked for Bob and her daily treats. We are thankful for the years that we shared with him.

Lis Schultz

December 30, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Agnes and family.
I was his secretary during his time at Thompson Steel Co in Franklin Park.
Out of respect he was always called “Mr Mathews” but always treated me with warmth, respect and kindness for which I was always grateful. Sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.

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