Matthew
John T. Mathew, 90, of Cleveland, Tennessee, formerly of Valentine, died on April 10, 2023, at home. He was born in Valentimbre, the son of the late Charles A. and Lenny J. (Truxell) Matthew.
He is survived by his ex-wife of 65 years, Lucille J. Beers, whom he married on June 1, 1957, in Winchester, Virginia. Their two children, John F. (Marina) Matthew from New Cumberland and Carol Jean (Doug) Rosette from Cleveland, Tennessee; Two grandchildren, Charles Joseph “CJ” Matthew and Pauline E. Matthew.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Benjamin F. Troxel.
John graduated in 1952 from Red Township High School. His years of work were extensive. He was a coal miner and has worked in the mining industry for over 35 years. He was also a certified electrician and a proud lifelong farmer. When jobs were scarce, John operated heavy equipment. Help build the dam breast at Prince Galitzine State Park. In addition, he worked various logging and construction operations for local builder Dean Youngkin.
John is proudly affiliated with the United Miners of America (UMWA), Local 1269. He was a member of Coalport Lodge No. 574, Free and Accepted Masons, Williamsport Consistory, Jaffa Shriners, and Gold Prospector Association of America (GPAA).
John had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He was an avid gardener and loved working the soil. He also loved hunting and digging for gold. John particularly enjoyed working in the woods. He spent a lot of time reading and researching, and was looking forward to learning new things. Above all, he loved spending time with his wife and family.
John will be remembered for many things, most notably his work ethic and genuine kindness.
Friends are welcome from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Gibbons Funeral Home, 1085 Main St. Coalport; and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral Service on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Spirit and Truth Church, Irvona, with Debbie Holland. Burial will be at Beaver Valley Cemetery, Flinton.
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