Henry "Matt" Mathews

Henry (Matt) Joseph Mathews, age 86, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on October 2, 1930.

Matt retired from the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer having served for 20 years. He served in the Korean Inchon Invasion, receiving combat ribbons from Inchon and Hung Nam, and 6 other distinguished medals. Henry served on the USS Mount McKinley and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt ships. After retirement, Matt worked for the US Post Office for 23 years.

Matt was an avid golfer, Red Sox fan, loved to read, play pinochle, and especially loved being around his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. He had a soft spot for all the family pets. Henry never met a stranger, he could talk to anyone, and the stories he could tell… we never tired of hearing them.

Henry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Virginia Mathews. They first met at the age of 8 at Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts. Children- Jim Mathews (Paula), John Mathews (Sarah), Linda Vance (Russell). Grandchildren- Laura Kenney (Justin), Kim Osborn (Mike), Susannah Mathews, Noah Mathews, and Hannah Vance. Great grandchild- Declan Kenney.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Community Hospice of NE Florida for all of the loving care provided to him during his final days.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 28th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hardage Giddens funeral home, 729 South Edgewood Avenue. A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 1st, 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Blvd in Jacksonville, followed by interment in the Jacksonville National Cemetery, with full United States Navy Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jude Children’s Research Hospital.