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Charles W. Mathers
Charles W. Mathers
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Charles Mathers Obituary
Here is the man you want in a crisis: while everyone squawks, he is listening. A great bear of a fellow, his eyes bright blue and calm, white- haired head nodding, he says, "Hmmmm." Then, "I'll take care of it." And he does.
Charles Mathers, 61, whose quiet sparkle attracted innumerable friends, clients and employees, spent a lifetime handling crises. As a young man he served in the Navy for six years, much of it in a nuclear submarine. In Sea Girt, N.J., where he and Margaret, his wife of 39 years, raised three children, he was a volunteer firefighter for a quarter-century. He traveled around the world, consulting on insurance for utilities, including nuclear power plants.
But for all his responsibilities, Mr. Mathers, a managing director at Marsh & McLennan, was hardly slathered with gravitas. On the contrary.
This summer, at a conference of utility clients, insurers and brokers in Chicago, Mr. Mathers's company was host to a dinner. Mr. Mathers made brief remarks and introduced an executive client. "And here's one risk Chuck may not have considered," the client said, then planted a shaving-cream pie in Mr. Mathers's face. Several hundred otherwise staid people gasped and fell all over with laughter.
Mr. Mathers had planned the entire stunt.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 26, 2015
Never say die, that's the spirit of VMI. Rest in peace, God bless
Kelsy Cowan
September 11, 2015
Mr. Mathers,
We've never met, but I've been dating your grandson, Colin, for almost 4 years now. I want you to know that Colin thinks about you and talks about you every day, telling me stories about you and it always brings a smile to his face to talk about you. I never had the privilege to meet you, but I know that you were an amazing person and will always be an imprint on your family's heart. I will always pray and think of you and your family that I love so much.
Kelly Kruse
March 27, 2015
Dear Mrs. Mathers,
In the month of September, after the tragic loss of so many, I was a brand new mother and wife living in Albuquerque, NM. I was so far away and removed from the rubble and impact but cried and prayed for all of the families that were impacted. In order to raise money our church sold silver bracelets with a name of an individual engraved that lost their life in the tragedy. My bracelet has the name of your husband, Charles William Mathers. I prayed for your family every time I wore the bracelet and though I have not put it on in a while, I recently found it, and was pleased to find who this gentleman was that I wore his name on my wrist for so long. My heart is full of love for your family, through praying to our Lord to comfort and fill you with His love, He filled me too. May you continue to be comforted and may His abounding love continue fill your hearts.
Sincerely, Kelly Kruse
S J. Friscia III
August 25, 2014
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David Pierce
February 11, 2013
Not a year goes by that I do not remember being the young goofy guy that used to cause headaches for the Mathers family back in Sea Girt. Needless to say it was a shock the day I found out one of the most patient, wonderful adult figures of my childhood had tragically left. I wish the Mathers family all the best.
Mary Gleason
May 30, 2012
Dear Marge and Chuck,
I only found this page today - I what to extend my heartfelt sympathy for your tragic loss. I also want to congratulate Chuck on graduating with honors in Medicine. He always had the focus, dedication and drive to succeed academically. Marge, you should be so proud of his accomplishments.
My best wishes,
Mary
I know I don't know you, nor you me. I saw this today, and I was compelled to return a memory to you.
Alex
November 26, 2011
Jen Del Papa
September 11, 2011
To the entire Mathers family, please know I still think of Mr. Mathers and your family all the time. I attended St. Uriel's in Sea Girt, NJ with your family. My thoughts and prayers are still with all of you often. We will be visiting the Memorial Pools on 11/26/11 and will make sure to get a pencil rubbing and leave a flag and flower for him.
Jen Del Papa (daughter of Gary and Pamela Gallamore, sister of Wendy)
Jessica Miller
September 11, 2011
I never met Mr. Mathers, but I went to medical school with Chuck. His son is a fine doctor and an amazing individual. I know Mr. Mathers would be very proud.
It's hard to believe 10 years have passed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Margaret Mathers
August 26, 2007
I read Alma Novotny's tribute at UTMB graduation in June. Our son, Dr. Charles H. Mathers graduated with honors. It was a wonderful tribute to his father who we still miss every day.
P Tabbernor
December 26, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 15, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Kathy Major
September 11, 2006
I never met Mr. Mathers, but I met his son, Chuck, in the summer of 2002. He was doing an internship at NASA Johnson Space Center. He is a fine young man and a wonderful legacy to his father. My heart goes out to the Mathers family on this fifth anniversary.
Doris Polk
January 9, 2003
Thanks for sharing this information on your husband, father, co worker and friend
Margaret Mathers
November 3, 2002
Thank you all for the beautiful tributes. We are fortunate to have had Chuck's abiding love and strength.
Alma Novotny
September 12, 2002
While I did not have the privilege of meeting Chuck Mathers, Sr., I have had the opportunity to teach his son, Chuck Jr. In humor, intelligence, and commitment, he is truly his father's son.
While I deeply regret that Chuck, Sr. was taken from the world in such a reprehensible way, I also feel that his influence, personality, and values live on in his family and his friends, because I have witnessed one aspect of his legacy first hand.
Christiana Woodward
September 12, 2002
Last night (9/11/02) I attended a Remembrance Ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. Everyone was given a heart that had the name on it of one of the victims of 9/11. Charles William Mathers was the name on my heart, and I was given this website to find a profile on him. Although I never met him, and I am 3,000 miles away, I cried when I read about what a wonderful person he was. May god bless him, and his family.
David Decker
September 10, 2002
Decency,kindness, caring and respect, all great men have these traits, Chuck will be remember for having them also. He had the ability to touch everyone and make them comfortable, our prayers are with him and his family.
Kara Decker
September 10, 2002
Though I may not have the words to express it, I want Mrs. Mathers, Chuck, and the whole family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them. Every day. Mr. Mathers was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Angie Campbell
May 6, 2002
May God Bless you and keep you always. Rest in his loving peace forever more.
Anne Davis Erk
March 11, 2002
I met Chuck Mathers once,in 1963 at Wesleyan, when he came to visit my friend, Margie, whom he later married. Over the years Margie and I have drifed apart. I did not know until this moment that Chuck was gone. God bless you Marge and your three children. Please contact me. Address is listed with alumni list on wesleyans site.
I miss getting your Christmas cards
March 2, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...CHARLES M.MATHERS AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE ...CHILDREN..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Brian Arnold
February 14, 2002
Chuck was a true gentleman, mentor and the best boss there ever was. We used to have a lunchtime ritual grabbing a bowl of soup at the WTC Cafeteria when he wasn't travelling and talking about the events of the day and things going on in our lives and those of the people closest to us.
Chuck's legacy was that of a devoted family man and consumate professional. I hope that I can attain Chuck's level in both of these areas.
Fred Hafer
January 28, 2002
I met Chuck for the first time in the summer of 2001, on the golf course. His golf game was in need of a little work. But, his personality, wit and charming disposition were honed to perfection. I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity to have met Chuck, and forever mournful that I won't have the opportunity to repeat the experience.
Naomi Sokoloff Mundy
January 4, 2002
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Chuck at J&H back in 1996. He was always a kind, generous and fun-loving person.
I fondly remember how he would open his home to our department at Christmastime to share the spirit of the season with us. In some ways, he felt like a father-figure to the younger people in the department. I remember him fondly. I pray for Marge and their children to find the strength to remember the good times, and to use that strength to carry on the way Chuck would have wanted.
God bless you all.
Mike Bangs
December 29, 2001
Chuck was an quiet inspiration to all who knew him. He lived for and served his wife, his children, his church, his community, his country and his company.
I consider him my best friend. I am honored to have been associated with him all these years.
Teresa Jahn
December 22, 2001
We thank Charles for the dedication for the time of his military service and as a volunteer firefighter. To dedicated his life to protect others comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. Thank you for sharing some stories about Charles with the world. I giggled when I read about the shaving cream pie. In reading his story Charles has touched my life in a positive way. May his bravery, life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
John Goldberg
November 23, 2001
As a lifelong J&H'er, I spent so much time with Chuck,at meetings with mutual clients,at conferences, etc. Chuck was a broker's broker. He was meticulous in his preparation, and presentation. To his wife and family, my deepest sympathy.
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