Charles-Matthews Jr-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Brooklawn Funeral Home - Rocky Hill

Charles J. Matthews Jr

Rocky Hill, Connecticut

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DIED
March 24, 2022
LOCATION
Rocky Hill, Connecticut

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Brooklawn Funeral Home - Rocky Hill Obituary

Charles J. Matthews Jr, 85, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband of the late Dea Matthews, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.


Born in Brooklyn, NY, he lived in Rocky Hill most of his life. He was the son of the late Charles and Christine Matthews. Charlie was a graduate of Wethersfield High School class of 1955. He spent his life working in Food Service, most proudly in the family’s former business, Mother’s Pies. He was extremely proud of being able to work every position in the bakery, including Production Supervisor. He also owned and operated The Coffee Shoppe. He was very proud to serve on many local town organizations including the Democratic Town Committee, the Elks Club, and as a lifetime member dispatcher for the RHFD. He was instrumental in the development of the Rocky Hill Softball League. He was inducted into the Wethersfield Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1954 state championship soccer team. Charlie was an avid Dodgers and UConn women’s basketball fan. He got great enjoyment in the outdoors whether it was gardening, family picnics, his pool or vacationing in Maine. Playing Santa for friends and charities gave him pleasure. His greatest joy in life came from his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.


He is survived by his three children. Kevin and wife Elizabeth Matthews,Jennifer Tumpney and companion Rob Flanders, and Glenn and wife Jacqueline Matthews. He also leaves 7 grandchildren. Dan Matthews and fiancée Brenda Clavette, Katie (Matthews) Newton and husband Ricky, Donna (Tumpney) VanderHeiden and husband Robert, Matthew Tumpney and wife Lindsey, and Ryan, Larissa and Talor Matthews. He will be greatly missed by his great-grandchildren, Bob and Jenny VanderHeiden, and Mason Newton. One of four children, He is survived by his sister Marcia Paholski and husband Ski as well as brother Tom Matthews and wife Sue. He was predeceased by his sister Dorthea Bogardus and husband Bogie.


Charlie's family would like to send a special thanks to the staff of Hartford Hospital's Cancer and Hospice Care units for their kind and compassionate care and support.


Services will be held on Wednesday, March 30th at 10:30a.m. at the BROOKLAWN Funeral Home, 511 Brook st. Rocky Hill. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Rocky Hill. Family and friends are invited to the Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 29th from 5-6:30p.m with a service starting at 6:30p.m. Officiated by Pastor Ronald Cox. For online guestbook please visit www.brooklawnfuneralhome.com

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It's easy to see why "Uncle Charlie" was my Dad's best friend. They has a lot in common especially their love of sports even if he was a Dodgers fan! He had such a great sense of humor. When he would visit 191 he would always tease us by saying "hi girls!" and the three of us in unison would reply "we're not girls!" I think of the cigars, Phillie's tips I believe, and of course Lite beer. He's the only person I ever met who always had a spare can of three bean salad in the basement for an...

Our sons looked forward every year at Christmas to go see the "Amazing House" as they called it. Charlie always did such a great job at decorating his house and everyone loved it. We also had the pleasure of working with him on Election Day as he would deliver the food to all the workers. He made us all smile. Please know that the family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

People like Charlie was what made a town like Rocky Hill attractive to live in. What better symbol of Rocky Hill than the fine upstanding citizen that Charlie Matthews was. He was a great husband, dad, grandad, friend, and, for me, a GREAT boss who treated me with so much respect. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work for you at the Coffee House. We had fun times and worked hard. I will never forget how you treated we girls as your own daughters. Thanks Charlie Sincerely, Adele Gali

My condolences. I have many happy memories of Uncle Charlie including his ability to retrieve coins from behind our ears, our summer afternoons at your pool, and vacation time together at Black Point. May he Rest In Peace. With love, Peter Coughlan

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Our condolences to Charlie´s family. Charlie was a great friend for both for us and especially to Della who knew Charlie since they were twelve. Great memories of our travels together with both Charlie and Dea: to Hawaii, Florida, England, Wales, Ireland, France, and to Italy seeking Dea´s ancestor´s memorial site. He will be missed and well remembered by all who knew him in his wonderfully full life. If his passing has left a void, he would want it filled it with good times and memories....

I am sorry I will be unable to attend Charlie’s services. Charlie was very good to me at the Elks, and I respect him and the time he donated very much . My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. I can picture the reunion your Dad and Mom had in Heaven, it was amazing! Know that I am thinking of you and your family, and offer my condolences to you all. Sincerely, Amy

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.