Obituary of Daniel Joseph Matthews

Daniel Joseph Matthews, 90, of Fort Myers, Florida, died peacefully January 27, 2017. Born on March 19, 1929, in Bronx NY, he was the son of the late Mary (nee McKenna) and Richard Matthews. He graduated from Regis High School in 1943. He worked at AT&T until being drafted into the US Navy where he was commissioned to the LST 60, making over 50 trips across the English Channel. Upon discharge, he rejoined AT&T and obtained Division Manager level, obtaining a BBA from Hofstra University and an MS from Pace University along the way. He retired from AT&T in 1984, and started an entrepreneurial career developing software programs for Mental Health Clinics and Psychotherapists. In 1949, Dan was married to Muriel Joan Leavy of Bronx, NY and was a loving and devoted husband to Muriel until her passing in 1995. Muriel and Dan had five children and resided over the years in Massapequa NY, Bethesda MD, and Madison NJ. In 1996, Dan married Kathleen Wallace, and spent time between Sag Harbor, NY and Fort Myers FL. Dan was an avid reader and photographer, and donated his time tirelessly to several foundations and committees: Madison Pool, Madison Association of Churches, Morristown Planning committee, Madison Housing Authority, St Vincent’s Parish Council, Diocese of Paterson’s school board, and the United Way of America. Dan was a dedicated father to his children Joanmarie Lermann of Bonita Springs FL; Denise Bone of Madison NJ; Daniel Matthews Jr. of Madison NJ; Barbara Alfieri of Neshanic Station NJ; and Mary Ellen Matthews of New York, NY. He was also a much-loved grandfather to Christopher and Jonathan Lermann; Allison, David and Austin Bone; Ryan and Kyle Alfieri; and Liam Matthews, his great grandchildren Kilea, Taegan and Covee. He is survived by his brothers, Joseph Matthews and George Matthews; his sisters, Caroll Schuler, Shelia Cooney, and Rosemary Michael; and several nieces and nephews. His presence will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. A service celebrating his life will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Morristown, New Jersey, at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Catholic Charities, USA would be appreciated.