Robert K. Matthews

Robert K. Matthews of 1110 Parkside Dr, Trumansburg passed away at Hospicare on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the age of 81.

Born in New Rochelle, New York on May 23, 1930, Bob was the son of Alfred Robert and Phyllis (Ruffell) Marriott. He entered the US Army Air Force in 1947, faithfully serving until 1952. Bob served as Vice President of American Body Armor in Sales and Distribution of E.O.D. (Explosive Ordinance Division) equipment, and later served as President of the Research and Development of E.O.D. for Safeco until his retirement. He was a member of the International Assn of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.

The center of Bob’s world was his beloved wife Annie. Whether the couple was dancing, cooking for a family holiday gathering, or piloting their 32 ft Chris-Craft loaded with family or friends, Bob was happiest when in her company. He was an accomplished craftsman who completed many woodworking projects over the years. Bob also enjoyed traveling abroad, raising homing pigeons, and building and flying model airplanes.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, Leroy Marriott; one daughter, Donna M. Matthews in 1967 and his devoted wife Ann Marie on September 2, 1999. He is survived by eight children, Deborah (Gary) Stilwell of Trumansburg, Dawn (Harry) Foley of Rochester, Rob (Christine) Matthews of Long Island, Kathy (Steve) Murray of Trumansburg, Karen Springer of Trumansburg, Ron (Vicki) Matthews of Houston, Texas, Kelly Jaramillo of Naples, Florida, and Rick (Jane) Matthews of Raleigh N.C.; seventeen grandchildren, Chris “Biz” and Katrina Wood, Mike Moseley, Elias and Kristy Grover, Brandon and Matthew Foley, Conor and Nicole Matthews, Josh and Sarah Murray, Adam and Katelyn Springer, Nicholas and Nancy Matthews, Amada Jaramillo, and Mackenzie Matthews; seven great-grandchildren, Josh Wood, Makaylah Wood, Sammy and Josh Grover, Sierra and Lola Bentencourt, and Aubree Jaramillo; one sister Dawn (Marriott) Gregory and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Agape Bible Church, 264 South Applegate Rd, Ithaca, NY with the Rev. Michael Corriero officiating.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Bob’s memory to kindly consider Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

The pain we feel will last for a while, but the love we have for him will continue for eternity. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.