Clyde A. Matthews

DANVERS — Clyde A. Matthews, 84, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at the West Roxbury Veterans Administration hospital. He had been in declining health for several months.

He was born in Lowell, the son of the late Robert J. Matthews and Beatrice (Laidlaw) Matthews. He moved to Swampscott as a child and was a long-time resident of Swampscott, attending Swampscott High school where he enjoyed playing hockey, football, and tennis. As a young man, he attended Iowa State University and Syracuse University and later served during World War II in the 81st Field Artillery Battalion U.S. Army. He was married for 26 years to Olivia Lynn (Oberg) Matthews whom predeceased him in 1978.

Mr. Matthews was employed as field engineer and worked on historical restoration of Newburyport. He also worked for the MDC as an engineer in Nahant. Clyde was a resident of Danvers for 53 years. His favorite activity was going to Sandy Beach with family and friends. Following retirement he was a self-styled beach bum; enjoying summer days with his beach buddies. He loved to regale his friends and family with stories of his exploits as a child and young man.

He leaves one daughter, Christine A. Cutler, husband Mike, their family of Herndon, Va.; three sons, Bruce and wife Susan, and their family of Amesbury; David of Reno, Nev.; and Karl and wife Nadia and their family of Princeton Junction, N.J. A great-grandson also survives him.

ARRANGEMENTS: As requested all services will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Clyde's memory to the charity of your choice. Assisting the Matthews family is the Mackey Funeral Home, Danvers.