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Richard MATHEWS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard MATHEWS
David Hazen
August 6, 2025
I was a student in one of his FPC/Eckerd literature classes. He also allowed me to do an independent study in poetry while I was at the London Eckerd Centre on Gower Street. He was a bright light during my darker years in college. I believe he also came to the Jim Carlson celebration we organized at Robb Hough´s home to honor Jim. I will always appreciate him for letting me be me, warts and all.
Howard Warshaw
June 2, 2025
I was Richard's roommate in 1967-68 during our first year of grad school at U.Va. Richard had put a note on a bulletin board about a house he had rented 10 miles south of Charlottesville, with idyllic descriptions of fruit trees and other niceties. The house even had a name: Willow Run. I signed on, as did one more guy, Chris. We split the $100/month rent!
The 3 of us got along great. I don't remember a single issue or the slightest testiness from that entire year. We were in 3 different fields. I was doing Biochemistry and Chris was a law student. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time together.
Richard did whatever dinner cooking we did, while Chris and I were the cleanup crew. Our neighbor, Belle Woodson, offered us the use of part of her garden, and Richard jumped at the opportunity to grow his own vegetables.
Richard spent his 2nd year of grad school on some kind of fellowship in England. When he returned, we resumed our friendship and were part of a small group of 6 or 7 good friends who would get together once a week to watch the Johnny Cash show and the Smothers Brothers. Those were wonderful times, and I'll always be grateful for the luck of seeing that "roommate wanted" notice and the years of friendship with Richard.
I lost track of Richard after we both got our PhD's, but I never forgot him. I found him thanks to Google about 15 years ago, and we exchanged a few excited catch-up emails. Today I was trying to catch up again when I found the very sad news that he passed away last year.
Richard was a wonderfully smart warm funny guy-- one of the best men I've ever known.
Henry Stokes
August 17, 2024
I´m saddened to learn of Richard´s death. We were close friends at Fletcher High, in the band, debate club, and our own coupon flyer business one summer before heading off to different colleges, places and careers in life.
The last time we talked, he spoke so proudly of his family. I know his extraordinary intellect fueled his success as a publisher and teacher.
My condolences go out to his family. May the memory of him long comfort them.
Esther Murphy
March 14, 2024
Dear Julie, The world seems a bit duller without Richard's light. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Jennifer Wissman Martella
January 31, 2024
My deepest sympathy, Julie, to you and your family.
Ed and Maggie Cavalier
January 31, 2024
Julie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Richard´s passing. May his memory be a blessing!
Mary K Meyer McAleese
January 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Julie and family, please accept my most sincere condolences and prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
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