Obituary of Daniel P. Matthews

Daniel Percy Matthews, a retired Vice President of Perception Technology, passed away after a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, October 16, 2016. He was 80 years old. Dan was born in Somerville, the son of Canadian immigrants, the late Charles and Jonena Matthews. He grew up and was educated in Reading. He was a graduate of Reading High School and was captain of his High School Basketball team. Reading held a special place in his heart and he always returned for his high school reunions to keep up to date with all his child hood friends. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the tail end of the Korean War. He held the rank of Radioman Third Class and served on the USS Hoist. Serving in the Navy, he had the opportunity to visit every continent, see Tahiti, and have his ship get stuck in the ice of the Antarctic. He served 4 years, most of which was served overseas. He was proud to serve his country and felt fortunate to have been able to see so much of the world. Dan had a very successful career working in the computer industry. He started at EG&G, then had a director’s position at Nixdorf Computers, Cofounded and served as Vice President of Cadmus Corporation, and ended his career at the age of 57 as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Perception Technology. Daniel had sacrificed a lot for his career, so he chose to retire early so he could stay home and raise his sons Shane and Jake. Daniel enjoyed a full life of travelling, skiing, basketball, running, golf, and bowling. He started the Nixdorf softball team, played in Burlington Recreation’s men’s basketball league, and several golf leagues. He enjoyed travelling, running, and working out at the gym with friends. He skied until he was in his mid-70’s. He spent many happy years at his homes in Bristol, Lincoln, and North Woodstock, New Hampshire with friends and family. He was actively involved with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s hockey, baseball, football, softball, and lacrosse teams. Even when Dan was in Hospice, he made every effort to see the great grand children’s games and when he was physically unable to be present, his family would video tape the games so he could watch them at home. He had a very active role in all their upbringing and very proud to be their “Bub”. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but never forgotten. Dan was the loving husband of 25 years of Bonnie J. (Sykes) Matthews. He was the beloved father of Janice Matthews of Cornish, ME and her companion David Harry, Daniel C. Matthews of Woburn and his fiancé Cheryl Mallett, Ralph A. Matthews of Wilmington and his late wife Sandy, Gregg A. Matthews, Shane C. Matthews, and Jake E. Matthews all of Burlington. He was the brother of Margo Richards of Wilmington, Muriel Hall of Reading and late Charles. He was the beloved Grandfather to Daniel C. Matthews Jr. his wife Nicole of Billerica, Matthew and Tracey Matthews of Burlington, and Gina Marcotti and Nikita Marcotti both of Malden. He was the proud and loving Great-Grandfather of Olivia and Nathan Matthews and Cecilia Marcotti. Former husband of Mary Ann Matthews. Dan was also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday October 21 at 11 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at noon. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VNA of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Avenue #17, Wakefield, MA 01880. =