Obituary of Charles Matthews

Charles L. Matthews, Sr., 98, of Freehold Township, died on December 5, 2010 at Sunnyside Manor, Wall, surrounded by his family. Charlie was born in Colts Neck and had lived in Farmingdale until moving to Freehold Twp.. He retired as an assistant foreman for the Monmouth County Highway Department, prior to that he was a Salesman for Matthews Chevrolet. Charlie was a former member of the Squankum Star Club, Elks Lodge of Wall and a life member of the Olive Branch Lodge #16, F & A Masons. Charlie had a loving devotion to his family and pets. He was the epitome of life, a man of wit, who loved to dance, and always enjoyed life to the fullest. Charlie was predeceased by his wife, of 44 years, Dorothy in 1994; three brothers, Joel, Ralph, and William Matthews; and a sister Hazel Newman. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Johnson and her husband, Dennis of Freehold Twp.; a son, Charles L. Matthews, Jr. and his wife, Darlene of Wall Twp.; four grandchildren, Rachael Sarkar and her husband Sabyasachi, Ashley Johnson, Justin Matthews, and Brianne Matthews; a sister-in-law, Ann Matthews of Wall; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Middletown. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Charlie's name may be made to either, The Salvation Army, 180 Newman Springs Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, NJ 07724. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.