Charles Matthews Jr.

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