Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Jones Funeral Home - Jacksonville

303 Chaney Avenue

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Matthew Hardiman Obituary

Sgt. Maj. Matthew B. Hardiman, USMC Ret., 86, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 23, 2015.
Born on May 29, 1929 in Brighton, MA, he was a son of the late Matthew J. and Mary Agnes Joyce Hardiman. He retired from the USMC with over 30 years of service, having served 1 tour in Korea and 2 tours in Vietnam. After his retirement, he served as the Director of the USO in Jacksonville for 13 years.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Irene Hardiman, of the home; a daughter, Mary Hardiman of Hampstead; a son, Matthew Hardiman, Jr., of Jacksonville; sisters-in-law, Donna Hardiman, of Surfside Beach, Delores Baugh, of Jacksonville; a grandson, Cory Hardiman and wife Gabby; a great-grandson, Lucas Hardiman; and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five siblings, John, Martin, William, Mary, and Julia.
Funeral services will be 11 am Monday, November 30, 2015 in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville, with Reverend Ernest Ruede officiating. Burial, with full Military Honors, will follow in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10 am until 11 am.
Electronic condolences may be left for the family at jonesfh.org and JDNews.com.

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

Published by Jacksonville Daily News from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Hardiman

Not sure what to say?





Frank

February 4, 2025

I new Sgt Major Hardiman from the USO in Jacksonville. He was a friend and mentor. The portrait was by Mr Kinjo. I believe I have it correct. He did these at the USO. Merle Woodard was a retired warrant officer. Who I would play chess with. Sgt Major recommended I have a birthday party for a young girl who's mom was a friend of ours at the USO. I did the party at the USO. Sgt Major had the president of the USO send a letter to my commanding officer. I can only imagine how many he helped in this way.

Michelle Hardiman Deraney

November 19, 2022

Came across this just the other day - missing my Dad Bill & Uncle Matt Hardiman and their siblings

Michelle Hardiman Deraney

November 19, 2021

Forever in our hearts Uncle Matt
One of a kind with true Hardiman charisma

Donna J. Hardiman

November 19, 2021

Looking at his picture when he was down here for Marty's birthday. Doesn't seem possible it is now six years that he has been gone. Being it is close to Thanksgiving brings back memories of some wonderful holidays. Thoughts and prayers to Irene, Bart and Vicki.

Jim Wheeler

November 19, 2019

Matt is gone, but not forgotten. Every time I go by the USO here in Jacksonville, warm memories of him come to the surface. What a fine man and Marine!

Mary McAuliffe Cosby

December 2, 2015

My memories of Uncle "Bunny" are many! When he came back to his hometown to visit his siblings and all their families, everyone got so excited you would have thought The Pope was coming to visit! Everyday he was there was a party! Big meals home made Irish bread, of course and lots of singing! Had to sing the Marine Hymn & Ballad of the green Beret every night! Sooo much fun! Have always loved you Uncle Matt❤

Carmen Pope Melvin

November 30, 2015

Irene, Matt, and Vicky, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Hardiman was well loved. May Our Lord give you comfort during this sad time.

Jim Wheeler

November 29, 2015

Matt's legacy is the lasting, positive impression he made on countless service members - both during his career in the Marine Corps and later as the Director of the USO here in Jacksonville. Every time I was at an event/meeting where Matt was also in attendance, he never failed to go out of his way to give me his trademark "boxer's stance" greeting.

GERALDINE JOYCE McCARTHY

November 29, 2015

SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF MATTIE. A MEMORABLE AND GREAT MAN.

Ronald Bower

November 27, 2015

When I arrived in Jacksonville, SgtMaj Matt Hardiman, USMC (Ret) was one of the very first Marine Corps legends I met. He was at the same time a warm and friendly person, but emanated a sense of duty and commitment to the young Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen and Airmen he served as Director of the USO. He honored me by stopping by my office each time he visited, leaving behind a smile, some friendly jokes, and the aura of the warrior he truly was. At the time he was the honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment of Retired Marines and dubbed me the Army Liaison Officer to the Regiment, a title I still claim proudly. SgtMaj Hardiman was a great man who lives in the early memories of the thousands of young warriors he touched and inspired. I will miss him but I know he is in God's service now protecting the Streets of Gold and the Gates to Heaven. After all, that is what all good Marines do and he was one of the best.

Barbara Moriarty

November 27, 2015

A lot of good family memories with the Hardiman and Joyce families from Boston, you will always be part of us along with your siblings and cousins that you will be safe in Heaven with . Love, Peggy and Barbara

Susan West

November 27, 2015

Our deepest condolences to Irene and family. Matt will be greatly missed. Always the life of the party and so many great stories. God Speed and Semper Fi The Raymond Jones Family in Ohio

Michelle Hardiman

November 27, 2015

Uncle Matt had a twinkle in his eye and when he hugged you - you knew you were loved!

Janette Rupple

November 27, 2015

My heart and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of and celebrate the life of this very fine man. It was a honor to have worked with him in the years ago at the USO and I will cherish those memories always.

John Starzynski

November 27, 2015

Rest in peace Mr. Harriman, Your legacy lives on, prayers for you family!!

SgtMaj Paul Siverson (Ret)

November 27, 2015

My condolences to the entire Hardiman family. Matt was more then just a good friend. A true professional and mentor. I will miss his humorous stories and being greeted with his boxers stance. God bless and Semper Fi Marine.

John McGrath

November 26, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you cousin Matt, Irene, family and all Matt's loved ones, Semper Fi.

Jim Swartzenberg

November 26, 2015

Rest in peace, Matt.

Reinhild Huneycutt

November 25, 2015

my heartfelt condolences to the family-Matt
was a shining light who will be missed-with deepest sympathy and love, reinhild 'jacki' huneycutt

linda scott

November 25, 2015

To Matt and his family thinking of you during this time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.I'm here for you Your classmate Linda Cooper Scott

Donna Hardiman

November 25, 2015

Matt was the perfect brother and brother-in-law. Irene, Bart and Vicki...I will miss him too, but know he is with the Lord and the others in the family. God Bless. My thoughts and prayers with you all.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Matthew Hardiman's name

Memorial Events
for Matthew Hardiman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Jones Funeral Home - Jacksonville

303 Chaney Avenue, Jacksonville, NC 28540

How to support Matthew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Matthew Hardiman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more