Richard Stewart Mathewson

Richard Stewart Mathewson of Fullerton, California passed away peacefully at age 88 on October 18, 2021. Born to Fay Stewart Mathewson and his wife Dorothy Mayo Smith Mathewson of Plainfield, New Jersey, Richard joined his sister Dorothy June to complete their family. He graduated from Plainfield High School and went on to attend Cornell University. At Cornell he excelled in both track and football while attending the College of Agriculture. The lessons he learned and friends he made lasted a lifetime. His dedication to Cornell was lifelongand he worked tirelessly to recruit for his beloved alma mater. Go Big Red!

After Cornell University, Dick served in the United States Army and then began his career with the Kroger Company as a Meat Merchandiser. Following his successful career with both Kroger and Mayfair Markets, Dick entered the real estate field. He quickly became a top producer forthe McGarvey Clark Realtors in Orange County, California. After retirement, until his passing,he continued to provide a wealth of advice and knowledge to friends and former clients.

Although he loved to tell a good loooooong story or a joke, Dick’s passion was always his work with the Fullerton Main Rotary Club. Serving in many capacities within the organization, he embodied the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. He firmly believed in working for the betterment of his community and its youth. His favorite project, which he ran for many years,was a reading intervention project that once a week brought together volunteer Rotarians and students in need of extra reading support. Dick further supported students and learning by volunteering as a Personnel Commissioner for Fullerton School District for seventeen years.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Jane Adams Mathewson, and his children Sharon (Doug)Gregory, Todd (Ying) Mathewson, and Molly (Steve) Trautman and their children and grandchildren as well as Jane’s children Kristin Nielsen and Kyle (Anna) Nielsen and their children.

A memorial service will be held November 5, 2021, at 11:00 AM PDT, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1231 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831, 714-870-4350.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to tell a loooooong story to a friend and/or donateto the Fullerton Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 172, Fullerton, CA 92836-0172. https://www.fullertonrotaryclub.com/giving  

Donations should specify “In memory of Dick Mathewson.”