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Carleton Mathewson Obituary
Mathewson
11/21/1936 - 08/06/2025
Carleton Denis "Denny" Mathewson passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Denis was born in San Francisco on November 21, 1936-Big Game day-a fitting beginning for someone who loved college football and whose life would be marked by spirited optimism, light-hearted humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Denis began his education at St. Dominic's Elementary School, with a formative three-year stay in Eureka with his grandmother while his father served in World War II. He later attended St. Ignatius High School and graduated from Stanford University in 1958 with a degree in Economics. After college, he served in the U.S. Army before starting his professional life at The Emporium, which sent him to New York on a special assignment. After a year in New York, he returned to California and established a long and respected career in commercial real estate. In retirement, he served on the Piedmont Education Foundation Board and volunteered for Experience Corps as a tutor, working with kids in Oakland schools.
Denis approached life with a positive outlook, a sense of humor, and a curiosity about others. He had a natural ease about him, and all felt welcome in his presence. A gifted storyteller, he had a knack for bringing people together through laughter, memory, and warmth. He had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures and was happiest spending time on the ski slopes or at the beach with his friends and family. He and his wife, Jan, shared a love of travel and saw much of the world together.
More than anything, Denis adored his family. He was a proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and found true joy in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Hilary Anne Conrad and Lindsey Ziegler; son-in-law, Brad Ziegler; and beloved grandchildren, Clemens and Bay Conrad, and Clara and Cameron Ziegler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Carleton Mathewson, Jr. and Catherine Daly Mathewson, and his sisters, Anne Mathewson Wood and Shelagh Mae Denning.
A celebration of life will be held in October. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Cancer League, Inc. or the Piedmont Education Foundation in Denis's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carleton Mathewson
2 Entries
David and Daly Schreck
September 30, 2025
Your obituary brings Denny back to life. He did have that knack for bringing people together and for becoming immediate friends all of us. We will miss our dear friend. so very much. Our loving sympathy to you Jan, Hilary Anne and Lindsey. We will never forget the fun and laughter Denny brought into our lives. We hold you and your families in our hearts with love and endearing memories.
Jack Nagle
August 31, 2025
Jan: Barbara and I are deeply saddened and send our condolences to you and your family on Denny's passing. I so enjoyed the friendship we had as reading tutoring colleagues at Piedmont Ave Elementary. He was a fun, interesting, and caring person who loved helping young kids. Barb and I also enjoyed getting together with you and Denny to discuss our families and travels.
With respect and condolences,
Jack Nagle
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