John Hugh Matthews, 95, passed away at his home in Mystic on April 8, 2014 just as the sun set. Born in Liverpool, England, on February 25, 1919 to Hugh and Edith (Gale) Matthews he spent much of his childhood on the Isle of Man.
He studied engineering at Liverpool Polytechnic. Working as a ship engineer, he served in the British Merchant Navy during WWII transporting British troops. His ship was one of many that brought British troops to the shores of Normandy on D-Day. Emigrating first to Canada, then to the US in 1955, he worked many years for Electric Boat and finally for Supervisor of Shipbuilding USN in Groton, CT.
Following retirement, John volunteered at the Mystic Seaport for many years where he enjoyed working on the steamboat Sabino and other boats. He loved the sea and working with all things nautical. If anything needed fixing, John could do it.
He was married in 1947 to Patricia Murphy also of Liverpool, England. She predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his parents and a sister, Elsie, who died when she was a very young child. He is survived by his sister, Lucy Matthews, of Suffolk, England, his daughter, Jacqueline Carey, of Wethersfield CT and granddaughters Megan and Cristin Carey. He is also survived by daughter, Petrella Pope, of Warminster, England and three sons, Peter Matthews of Southington, CT, Paul Matthews of Simsbury, CT and Anthony Matthews of Kannapolis, NC, grandson, Michael Matthews, who always said “Granddad gave the best hugs”; also 14 other grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. In addition he is survived by his special friend, Elizabeth Limkemann, and long time friend, Ed David.
John's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, April 11, from 8:30 to 9:30am at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, River Road, Old Mystic.
The family wishes to thank the Center for Hospice Care for their wonderful support. Donations may be made in his memory to Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham St, Norwich CT 06360.
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