Photo courtesy of Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home
Oct 7, 1928 - Nov 5, 2024
I’m so sorry to hear Uncle Ben passed. He was such a kind man! I know how much he will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Dorothy Wells
November 16, 2024 | Kannapolis, NC | Family
Ben was the cornerstone of MetLife's Clarks Summit Computer Center since day one. Always polite, easy going and hardworking in a rapidly changing electronic environment. It was a privilege and pleasure to know him.Deepest condolences to Ben's family.
Photo of Ben was taken in early 1979 when Ben overseeing the preparations for a new system (IBM 3033).
Joe Palumbo
Joe Palumbo
November 14, 2024 | Newton TWSP, PA | Coworker
Single Tree
EN
November 13, 2024 | Fredericksburg, VA
Benjamin F. Matthews, Jr., 96, a lifelong resident of South Abington Township, died on Tuesday, November 5th at his home.
He was the son of the late Benjamin F. Matthews Sr., and Louise (Finney) Matthews. Prior to his retirement he worked as the Building Superintendent and Plant Manager for Metropolitan Life’s data center on the Morgan Highway.
He enjoyed traveling, and traveled extensively across the US, visited Hawaii and Alaska as well as Ireland, and took many bus trips with the local seniors. He enjoyed playing pool at the Senior Center. Ben had a great sense of humor; he always had a smile and a hello for anyone he met.A gifted amateur musician, he enjoyed playing the keyboard and guitar. He “played by ear” and had a large repertoire of songs he regularly played and, if asked, he could play any song he’d heard. He enjoyed fishing and boating. An avid sailor who taught himself to sail in his 30’s, he spent many enjoyable hours sailing well into his retirement years on a local lake. He enjoyed drawing and painting, often working in oils and watercolor. Fascinated by all things mechanical and the newest technology, he was constantly tinkering with creative projects. A true jack of all trades, he built the house he lived in, raised his family there, and was still doing home projects, repairs and improvements.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, the late Catherine Dolores (Reimer) Matthews. Together they were avid Square and Round dancers and members of several dance clubs in the area.
A member of the Clarks Summit Abington class of ’47, he was well known around the community, often seen walking the trail at South Abington Township Park well into his 90’s.Ben and his dear friend and companion Florence (Flo) Konosky enjoyed bus trips, Fall foliage train rides, dinner theaters and related outings and activities.
Surviving are sons, Thomas Matthews and wife Barbara, Clarks Summit, PA, Benjamin F. Matthews III and wife Nancy, Harpers Ferry, WV, and Kevin Matthews and wife Joan, Honeybrook, PA; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his four sisters, Louise Hoag, Ruth Eckert, Betty Singer and Catherine Buffton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who took good care of our Father during his recent health issues.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chinchilla Hose Company.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit, PA.
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