Obituary of James "Bud" Matthews

James “Bud” Matthews, of Rainbow Lakes, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 4, 2018 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. He was 88 years young.

Born and raised in Paterson to the late John and Elizabeth Matthews, he was one of three children. He proudly served our country in the United States Navy in the Korean War on the USS Revenge. After returning home from the war, he settled in Rainbow Lakes. He had a very successful 65 year career for himself as a plumber, most recently with Landis & Gyr in Pine Brook, retiring in 1984. James married the love of his life, Anna McCloskey, in 1957 and together they raised their family. As his kids were growing up, he participated greatly in Hub Lakes Sports, and was the Par-Troy Little League North Coach for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #451 in Rainbow Lakes and the Plumbers Union Local #24. “Bud” was one of the founding members of St. Catherine of Siena RC Church and served on the Board of Directors for many years. James will forever be remembered in our hearts as a hard-working man of faith that showed unconditional love and compassion to all.

Left to keep his legacy alive are his beloved children, Elizabeth (Daniel) Schwager of Lake Hopatcong, James (Susanna) Matthews of Stamford, CT, and Thomas (Carol) Matthews of Lake Hiawatha; his cherished grandchildren, Randy (Kimberly) Schwager, Mark Matthews, and Steven Matthews; his treasured great-granddaughter, Emily Joanna Schwager; and his loving brother, Robert (Laura) Matthews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 11^th at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena RC Church, 10 Pocono Rd., Mountain Lakes, NJ. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery, Denville. Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10^th from 4 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ. Memorial Donations can be made by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org to the charity of your choice. Please leave a special memory and condolence for his family.