John Caldwell MATTHIESSEN

John Caldwell Matthiessen passed away in his home on March 6 at the age of 98. He was born in New York City to Mary Elizabeth Caldwell and Conrad Henry Matthiessen and came to Pasadena with his family when he was a young boy. He soon went to the Polytechnic School and then to the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut, following in his father's footsteps. He probably was better at making friends and trouble than studying. After serving brief stints in the military ( Naval Air, Marines) and briefly attending Redlands, he enrolled at Yale University, graduating in 1949), making lifelong friends and memories, including being on the rugby and soccer teams. After graduating, his homebase was with his parents , living in St. Malo, Oceanside, Coronado, and eventually, Pasadena., working as a sales rep. It was there that he met and married Dorothy Hughes of San Marino, with whom he had 4 sons: Peter(Lisa), John,Jr.(Jeanne), Henry and Conrad (Julie) known to most as Matty. They were the lights of his life along with his 10 grandchildren Alex, Annsley, Amanda, Julia, Olivia, Hannah, Will, Claire, Diana and Tim. He rooted for their high school sports teams vociferously, employed all of his sons at his manufacturing business, Playwell Equipment Co. during vacations and holidays. When he retired from Playwell he began a long and rewarding journey with the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena consistent with his lifelong interest in children and their well-being. Though he declined to attend symphony concerts with Dorothy, he pushed hard for the music program for children at the Boys and Girls Club. From rugby and soccer at Yale to senior tennis he loved games with balls and excelled at them, winning three gold balls in his seventies. A major goal was to shoot his age at Brookside Park golf course playing with his Monday golf gang. His friends and family describe him as funny, caring, a great boss and story teller. A small family gathering will be held in the near future to celebrate and remember John. In lieu of flowers please make a gift to the charity of your choice or to the Boys and Girls Club Pa, 3230 East Del Mar Boulevard, Pasadena 91104.