Edward Mathews, Jr.

Edward J Mathews Jr ., (1934-2017) passed away peacefully at his home on March 4th, 2017 after fighting a courageous battle with the rare asbestos-related cancer Mesothelioma. As Ed would tell you himself, he lived a very charmed life. Born on November 28, 1934 in Revere, MA, Ed was raised by his loving parents, Edvidge and Edward , in Revere, MA along with his sister Suzanne (Lewis) and his brothers Robert and Richard ( Mathews ). Ed graduated from Northeastern University and was a Navy Reservist where he was able to practice his love of flying. Ed was an avid skier in winter, a pilot, a lifelong Patriots fan, and his affinity to the ocean helped introduce him to the love of his life and wife of 50 plus years, Kathleen Mathews . Ed and Kathy married on April 16th, 1966 and raised a loving family of four boys, Timothy, Michael, Edward III, and Patrick. A graduate degree in engineering was quickly put to practical use as Ed followed his passion for the trades, gaining his master plumbing license and general contractor license and running his own successful small business until late in 2016. Ed also was a teacher in the Melrose Public schools for 18 years, teaching science, math and shop among other technical subjects, he also time spent in local trade schools teaching many future tradesmen.

Ed loved his work and certainly worked hard, building dozens of homes, helping hundreds of customers and enjoying his work right up until his 82nd year. Ed's "retirement" was only a re-incarnation of his long time business, although named "The Semi-Retired Plumber", Ed remained as busy as ever and his only retirement was a few extra naps. Ed loved his work and is proud that the business he built, Ed Mathews Plumbing & Heating, was a staple in the community, and that his passion and company is carried on by his third son Edward III. Ed taught his trade and work ethic to many apprentices, and leaves behind a strong legacy of successful former employees, including his four children; as he always said, "clean hands, clean pockets".

Ed was always there to help, whether it was friend, family, niece or nephew, he always made time to lend a hand, provide advice and help however he could. He taught us how to be generous with our time and to be grateful for what we have.

Ed took fashion cues from no one. His signature every day (and every season) look was all his: a plain white T-shirt designed by the fashion house Fruit of the Loom, his Champion grey sweatshirt with cutoff sleeves, a pair of old school denim overalls, and he finished the ensemble with classic New Balance double E white leather sneakers.

Ed enjoyed his family time, he loved boating and fishing with his sons and grandchildren. Ed was a sailor, a fisherman, a boater and a lobsterman. He shared his passion with his children and grandchildren including scuba lessons, flying lessons, blue fishing and pulling lobster traps. He loved to swim and enjoyed his rest on the beach…. which was usually face down on the warm beach sand without a towel, which led to more than one unwarranted 9-1-1 call.

Ed was always quick with a smile and a joke, and even though the jokes were mostly terrible, he still made you smile. Ed was a religious man, a strong believer in Christianity, a regular presence at church on Sundays.

Ed or "Gramps" as he decided he should be called this summer after 17 years of being called "Grandpa Ed", was head over heals about his grandchildren. Providing advice and m&m's in equal dosage. Giving money out for smiles and wrestling matches, catching lobsters, giving flying, driving, and scuba lessons, and even taking naps together on the couch. Ed had a gift for making every grandchild feel special, because every single one was special to him.

Most of all, Ed was a loving husband and enjoyed his time with his wife Kathy. They both enjoyed long car rides, dancing surprisingly smoothly when the opportunity arose, their morning coffee together and their tea in the afternoon. As his children learned at a young age "the white cup is up" meant that the children were to be quiet and scarce as he enjoyed his precious time with his wife. For over 50 years, Ed and Kathy created a loving home, a loving family and have provided us all with so much laughter. They created a hectic but fun life, with legendary stories, and even though they drove each other crazy from time to time, they were always hopelessly in love with each other, and their love and commitment is an example for us all.

We will miss Ed. We will miss his bad jokes and his sage advice. We will miss his help and his strong handshake. We will miss his smile and little superstitious habits. We will miss Ed, but we all know that we are blessed for having had as much time as we did with him. In his final time, he told me that he had no regrets, he felt blessed. "How can I ask for anything more?" he said. "Anything I got to do now would only be doing something that I already got to do again. I am the luckiest." Ed truly felt lucky, but we are the luckiest for having had him in our lives.

Funeral from the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Thursday at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10am. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. Visitation for relatives and friends at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Special Olympics, Attn: Donations, 1133 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-3604.

March 08, 2017
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

McDonald - Finnegan Funeral Home
322 Main St.
Stoneham , MA 02180
(781) 438-0405

March 09, 2017
10:00 AM

St. Patrick Church
71 Central St.
Stoneham, MA 02180