John E. Matthews' Obituary
John Edmund Matthews, 60, of Yorktown and Ashburn, VA died on Friday, August 14, 2009, at INOVA Loudoun Hospital Center in Lansdowne, VA following a courageous battle with lymphoma and heart disease.
Born on January 31, 1949 in Troy, New York, he was the son of the late Robert Matthews and Julia Stapleton Matthews Gunnen who passed away on June 19, 2009. John is survived by his loving wife Christine Golden Matthews, his brother, Robert T. Matthews of Poestenkill, NY, sister-in-law Karen Bradley (and David) of Scotia, NY and three nieces, Sarah Bradley of Brooklyn, NY, Emily Bradley of Boston, MA and Rachel Bradley, of Scotia, NY, and in-laws James and Joanne Golden of Mechanicville, NY.
John was a retired Land Planner specializing in real estate and community development. After earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from New England College, a M.S. in Urban Environmental Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Masters in Public Affairs from Indiana University at Bloomington, John served in various public planning positions including Director of Planning and Community Development for York County, VA; Executive Director of the Southern Mid-coast Regional Planning Commission in Bath, ME; and Sr. Planner for Schenectady County, NY. John’s career in real estate included serving as Vice President of Development and Construction Management for the FCR Group, as well as founding his own firms, the Environmental Assessment Group and John E. Matthews & Associates.
John was a member of the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate, Board of Directors and Executive Committee 1991-2003, serving as President in 2001. John received a Gubernatorial appointment to the Board of Conservation and Development of Public Beaches of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1996-2004, including Chairman for 2003-2004 and served on the Virginia Wetlands Board for the County of York from 1992-1996, serving as Chairman in 1996.
John was a man of many passions. Model boat building, fishing off Cape Hatteras, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, earning his Coast Guard Masters license for all maritime vessels, and serving his country as a volunteer in the USCG Auxiliary demonstrated his love of the water. John was former Vice Flotilla Commander of Flotilla 5-3 in Boston and earned numerous recognitions for his service. Playing St. Andrews and hitting a hole-in-one at the Belmont Country Club were proud golf achievements. As a member of the Eastern Professional Ski Instructors Association, John maintained his Professional Ski Instructor Certification well after he moved away from ski country. John was a member of both the Williamsburg and Belmont Country Clubs, as well as a former member of the Seaford and Hampton Yacht Clubs and the Lafayette Gun Club.
John was blessed with many friends from all over. Whether they were neighbors, or fishing and sailing buddies in the Yorktown area, friends and family in upstate New York, the Knights of Myrtle Beach, neighbors and friends from Monument Square in Charlestown, MA, the members of the United States Coast Guard Constitution Flotilla, 013-05-03 Auxiliary, or neighbors in Ashburn, Virginia, John will be remembered as a friend to all.
John was particularly devoted to his beloved wife Christine. Married 31 years on August 12, 2009, their mutual support and love was inspiring.
The family would like to especially recognize and thank Drs. Rajendra, Mendiguren, Chaudhary, and Dr. Traficante, the outstanding oncology, ICU, and telemetry staff of INOVA Loudoun Hospital Center and Dr. Paul O’Brien of Alexandria, VA for their care and support, over the past 2 years. Their efforts brought much comfort during very difficult times.
Calling hours will be from 2 – 4pm on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at the Amory Funeral Home, 410 Grafton Drive, Grafton, VA 23692-2172 with a memorial service immediately following, at 4pm at the funeral home.
A funeral mass is planned for Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 5, at 9:00 am at Assumption/St. Paul Parish Community
52 William Street - Post Office Box 308 Mechanicville, New York 12118,
with scattering of ashes at sea in early Fall.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember John in a special way, may make a donation to Loudoun Health Care Foundation, “In Memory of John Matthews”, 44035 Riverside Parkway, Suite 420, Leesburg, VA 20176.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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