Thomas K. Matthews

Thomas Kenneth Matthews, affectionately known as Tom or Tommy to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on the 27th of December, 2025, after a valiant fifteen year battle with ALS. Born on October 17, 1946, Tom had called Braintree home since 1973, creating a life filled with love, community engagement, and enduring memories.
Tom was the cherished son of the late Nicholas Matthews and Afrodite Rafael Matthews. He was a devoted brother to Diane Minnelli, Nancy Chomo, and the late Dorothy Adams and Chester Matthews.
The highlight of Tom's life was meeting his beloved late wife, Mary (Cate) Matthews, marking the beginning of a love story that would span 53 years. A loving father to Sarah Casanova and her husband Justin of Braintree, and Patricia Di Tunno and her husband Steven of Whitman. Tom embraced his role as "Grampy" with boundless joy, doting on his grandchildren, Adrianna, Michael, Daniel, and Patrick, who added immeasurable happiness to his life. Tom also was a beloved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Tom graduated from Boston English High School, after which he furthered his education at Bentley College, earning a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Tom met his future wife, Mary, while both were working at S.S. Pierce Bakery in Boston. As Tom would say "It was love at first sight". His sense of duty led him to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he served with honor and pride. Tom became a systems analyst at State Street Bank in Quincy, a position he loved and held for 36 years.
Tom's was actively involved with the American Red Cross as a blood donor. Every holiday season he brought joy to many playing Santa for State Street Bank, going so far as to have his very own Santa suit. A man of many interests, Tom was a lifelong fan of Boston sports teams, especially the Boston Red Sox. His love for sports dated back to his first Red Sox game in 1955, where he witnessed Norm Zauchin hit a home run, something he would never forget. His enthusiasm for sports did not end there; he channeled it into coaching his daughters' softball teams. Throughout the years Tom was always present at his daughters' and grandchildren's sporting events. Music and dance were other passions of Tom's; he could always be found on the dance floor at family and social events. His smile was contagious and everyone enjoyed sharing laughs and jokes with Tom.
Tom was known for his unwavering devotion to his faith and community. He was a very prominent member of St. Clare's Parish in Braintree. Whether it was rolling strikes in the church's bowling league or contributing his time to the Holy Name Society, Tom embraced fellowship with open arms.
Above all, Tom's most treasured times were those spent with family and friends. Tom Matthews was the epitome of a loving, thoughtful, and passionate man. His impact on the lives he touched will resonate for generations to come. A beacon of light in the communities he served, Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and spirited generosity. Though he will be sorely missed, his memory will be eternal.
When you die, that does not mean that you lose to ALS. You beat ALS by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live, So live. Live. Fight like hell. – paraphrasing Stuart Scott
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, January 4th, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., Braintree. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 5th, at 10:00 AM at St. Clare's Parish, 1244 Liberty St. Braintree. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Randolph.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's name to The Angel Fund for ALS Research or the Veteran's Administration. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store.