Obituary of Ira Matthews

Ira B. Matthews, Jr., 74, of Farmingdale passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Ira was born in Neptune and was a lifelong resident of Farmingdale. He was a 1959 graduate of Freehold Regional High School. During high school, Ira worked at Cowboy City in various capacities including Stuntman. After high school, he worked with his father as a builder in the family business, Ira B. Matthews and Son Building Contractors. Ira served honorably for the United States Navy Reserves from 1961-1969. From 1971-2004, he owned and operated Ira B. Matthews Jr. Building Contractors, specializing in historic preservation. His work can be seen throughout New Jersey Historical sites such as St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Freehold, Old Tennent Church in Manalapan, and Christ Church in Shrewsbury. Ira was a life member and trustee at the Squankum United Methodist Church. He was a past Scoutmaster of Troop #150, Howell and a member of the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club, F-Troop. Ira was an Ultralight pilot, building two of his own, and a member of the Jersey Shore Ultralights. In his spare time, Ira enjoyed restoring and operating antique hit and miss engines, horseback riding, camping and canoeing. He loved adventure and travel, and had crossed the United States twice. Ira's greatest passion in life was spending time with his family. Ira was predeceased by his parents, Ira B. Matthews Sr. and Martha Morton Matthews; and a sister, Barbara Cousins. Ira is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Matthews; three children, Ira B. Matthews, III and his wife, Laura of Farmingdale, Lynda Glenn and her husband, Donald of Farmingdale, and Thomas Matthews and his wife, Danielle of Farmingdale; nine grandchildren, Ira B. Matthews, IV, Julia Matthews, Matthew Glenn, Molly Glenn, Joshua Glenn, Jacob Matthews, Justin Matthews, Thomas Matthews, Jr., and Dylan Matthews. He also leaves behind many close friends and relatives. Keeping with Ira's wishes, a memorial service will be held in the future. All arrangements are by the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Ira's name may be made to the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Foundation, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.