Michael J. Matthews

1934 - 2015

WILMINGTON, DE - Michael J. Matthews, age 80, of Holly Oak Terrace, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, June 29, 2015. Mike was born in West Warwick, R.I. on New Year's Eve in 1934 to the late John Edward Matthews, Sr. and
Ethel Klammer Matthews and was one of six children.
Mike graduated from West Warwick High School in 1952. In the spring of 1953, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served 3 years of duty at New Castle County Airport as a Jet Aircraft and Engine Mechanic. After the service, Mike began selling new and used cars at Rollins Motors on Market Street in Wilmington, where he held various management responsibilities through the years. In 1973, Mike became the owner and operator of Newark American, Inc. selling American Motors products and Jeeps. He owned Newark American until 1980, when he sold it shortly after the death of his first wife.
After retiring from the automobile business, Mike worked at Catholic Social Services and part time at various retailers. Between 1996 and 2008, "Mr. Mike" drove a school bus for the Brandywine School District. He was a member of American Legion Post #1. Mike also belonged to Local 1183 School Bus Drivers Union, which he helped organize. He was an avid boater and spent many of his retirement summers at the Delaware beach. Throughout his life, Mike was known for his ready smile and quick sense of humor.
Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Blair Matthews; his second wife, Linda DuBois Matthews; his brothers, John E. Matthews, Jr. and Arthur Matthews; and his stepson, Jeffrey DuBois. He is survived by his sons, Michael J. Matthews, Jr. and his wife, Theresa, in Orange, CA, and Edward J. Matthews and his wife, Jill, in Landenberg, PA; his stepson, Christopher DuBois and his wife, Jennifer, in Newark, DE; his stepdaughter, Aimee DuBois Davis and her husband, Norman, in Bear, DE; as well as by his grandchildren, Bradley, Jeffrey, Ryan, Meghan, Caitlin, Connor, Liam, Emily and Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Sroka, in Coventry, R.I.; his brother, Richard Matthews and his wife, Lea, in Pocomoke City, MD.; his sister, Ellen Wilson and her husband, Tom, in Emmaus, PA; and many nieces and nephews around the country.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM and on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM in the McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 649 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19713.
For online condolences: www.mccreryandharra.com. 302-478-2204.