Ernest E. Matthews

Ernest E. Matthews, 89, of Coventry, beloved husband of 63 years to Donalda M. (Lavoie), passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, at home.

He was born in Audubon, N.J., in 1924, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and attended Georgetown University through the Army Specialized Training Program. He retired from Pratt & Whitney as a supervisor in the experimental test division at the Willgoos Lab. He was a very active part of his community, coaching Little League baseball, and the Coventry Panthers football for decades. He loved spending time with his family, and he and Donalda enjoyed many summers with them at Charlie Brown Campground. He was an avid reader and a loyal fan of the UConn women's basketball team from the mid-1980s through the present. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, who appreciated his keen wit, wry sense of humor, and love of a good story.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Clifford A. Matthews, and his spouse, Anne Matthews, of Bellingham, Mass., Holly M. Hunter, and her spouse, Junius A. Hunter, of Nashville, Tenn., John A. Matthews, and his spouse, Susan Matthews, of Canton; by his grandchildren, Whitney Holl, and her spouse, Christopher Holl, Alleigh Matthews, and Natalie K. Wisehart; and by his great-grandchildren, Abigail Mae Holl and Juliette Holl; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Ann (Bartel) Matthews; and his brother, Clifford Matthews.

Relatives and friends may join the family Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Road (Route 195), Tolland.

A funeral home service will take place Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at 10 a.m. followed by burial with full military honors at New Coventry Cemetery, Main Street (Route 31), Coventry.

The family requests that memorial donations in Ernest's name be made to the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library, Coventry, or to the Coventry Panthers Football.

For online condolences please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com