Matthews, Sr. John

On November 10, 2018 at 4 a.m., God called John Robert (Jack) Matthews home.  God must have wanted him there at 4:30 but in his true fashion, he showed up 30 minutes early.  Jack grew up in Dundalk and made lifelong friends in his childhood neighborhood. He was a graduate of Kenwood High School, where he ran track. He enjoyed hunting with his father and fishing on the family boat. As a foreman in the Sheet Metal Industry for over 50 years, Jack’s thumbprint can be found on projects from the National Aquarium to the Pentagon, and everywhere in between.  After retiring, he remained active in the local Union. Jack stayed busy, but if he put you in his planner, you could count on him being there. He was always helping friends and family with projects, making many trips to COSTCO and Home Depot, gardening, going on cruises, and playing cards. 

An accomplished man in his own right, the thing he valued most was his family. He is survived by his brother Andy Matthews; the love of his life, Linda Jones Rice, his three children: Dawn Rene'e Matthews-Siska (Husband Bob: children Bobby, Jeremiah, Josiah) John Robert Matthews, Jr. (Wife Susan: children Shawnie, Samantha, Autumn, Noah, Willow), Noel Christina Matthews: (children Casey, Paige, Steven) and 8 Great Grandchildren. A hard-working provider, Jack had his family at the forefront of everything he did. From cookouts at Gunpowder State Park and fishing on the boat, to learning trips to the Smithsonian Institutes and national parks, he was always creating memories with his family. If possible, Jack managed to "super-size" his heart when he became a Grandfather; prioritizing his grandchildren's school events and games, delighting over each thing they did, nothing was ever a "small" accomplishment, always grand and celebrating.  He loved teaching them to fish and parallel park, gathering around the kitchen table to play Risk and chess, taking them on trips to Kings Dominion (yes, even into his 70's he loved the roller coasters),and always having fireworks to light off without needing an occasion other than he was with family and that is always worth celebrating.  His Grandchildren were the apple of his eye.

In honor of Jack's heart we (his family) invite those whose life has been impacted by his love and kindness to join us as we celebrate his life and legacy from Noon-4:00pm at The Seasoned Mariner Restaurant, 601 Wise Avenue, Dundalk, MD 21222 on November 17, 2018.  We will be sharing memories of love and laughter starting at 1:00; socializing form 2:00-4:00. Please feel free to bring a story to share or just soak in the love in the room.  If you are a friend of Jack's, you're family.

* Food and beverages will be provided. Jack loved to give flowers, so in lieu of flowers for the family, please share flowers in his memory with a loved one or perhaps a local nursing home.  

Celebration of Life Event for Jack Matthews

Date:  November 17, 2018
Location:  The Seasoned Mariner Restaurant

         601 Wise Avenue, Dundalk, MD  21222

Time:  Noon-4:00pm

1:00  Memories and Stories Shared
2:00-4:00 Social Hours

Attire:  Come as you are.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthews, Sr. John, please visit our floral store.