Russell W. Matthews

Bill Matthews Obituary
On April 7, 2024, Russell William "Bill" Matthews of Pittsford, NY passed away at age 77 on the ski slopes of Utah.
Born in Honeoye Falls, NY, Bill was raised on a large farm in Mendon Ponds Park, where he first acquired his skills as a horseman and skier. After attending Honeoye Falls High School, Bill earned his teaching degree at Oswego College, Class of '68, followed by a Masters in Secondary Education from Nazarene College. Bill went on to become a drivers ed teacher at Pittsford High Schools for 32 years.
Bill will be remembered for his love of outdoor sports and for passing on his skiing and equestrian skills to many hundreds of children during his career as a teacher. For decades Bill coached the Pittsford Sutherland High School alpine and cross-country ski teams, leading Pittsford athletes to dozens of individual and team state Championship trophies. In 2016 Bill was inducted with honors into the Pittsford Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bill especially loved the Adirondacks where the Matthews had a lakefront cottage on Eagle Bay. Bill and his own young family spent many summers in the mountains, where Bill served as the director of the horseback riding program at the Camp Gorham WMCA in Big Moose, NY. His calm and gentle teaching techniques were instrumental in introducing countless children to the joys of horseback riding.
He is survived by his sons, Derek Matthews and Brian Matthews; as well as his sister, Peggy (Matthews) Entrican and brother, John Matthews.
There will be a gathering later this year for family and friends for a celebration of Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, a more permanent memorial is being planned and will be announced at this event.