Obituary of Richard D. Matthews

Richard D. Matthews, 91, of Syracuse, died Saturday at Van Duyn Nursing Facility. He was born in Syracuse to Elizabeth and Euwart Matthews of Eastwood. He came back in Oct. 2015 from Helen ,Georgia to spend his last year with his family. Richard served in the Navy during World War ll and was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in battle. He spent most of his life employed as a carpenter and worked on many of the beautiful buildings that make up the City of Syracuse skyline. He built his last home at the young age of 73. He loved the outdoors, gardening and square dancing. He spent many years fishing & boating in the 1000 Islands and some of his ashes will be scattered on Wellesley Island. Dick was preceded in death by daughter Joanne Wilcox(Dave) and his brother Robert Matthews . He is survived by his 10 children and their spouses; Dick Matthews Jr., (Edna ), James Matthews, Mary jane Keller(James),Charles Matthews(Cindy), Jeffrey Matthews (Sandi), Jon Matthews (Rene), Patti Matthews, Thomas Matthews (Lisa), Andrew Matthews (Chrissy) and Peter Matthews. He also had multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid dog lover and will be joined by his lovely black lab Megan in heaven and missed by Cooper and Boots. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10am in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Minoa.