Obituary of Deacon Richard F. Matthews

Olean - Deacon Richard F. "Dick" Matthews    

            Deacon Richard F. "Dick" Matthews of 1809 West State Street, passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at his home.

            Dick was born on Sept. 1, 1946 in Amsterdam and was the son of Anthony C. and Irene Krupa Matthews.  On August 23, 1969 at the St. Bonaventure University Chapel, he married his wife of almost 50 years, Linda J. Coleman, who survives.

            Dick was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam.  He was a 1966 graduate of Mater Christi Seminary, where he earned his Associate of Art in Liberal Arts/Humanities.  Dick was a 1969 graduate of St. Bonaventure University, where he earned his Bachelor of Art in Classical Language, English, and Philosophy, and he continued on at St. Bonaventure University to earn his Master's Degree in Education Guidance and Counseling in 1971.  He pursued his education even further at Christ the King Seminary graduating with his Master of Arts in Theology in 2001.

            Dick worked at Ellicottville Central School as the director of special education, a counselor and teacher from 1968 to 2001, retiring after 35 years.  He taught Latin, Remedial Reading, and English in grades 7-12.  Dick also worked at Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus as an Adjunct Professor in Philosophy and Writing starting in 1991 and retiring in 2013.  He worked as a Counselor for Olean City School District from 2001 to 2003, where he worked with emotionally disturbed children.  Dick was ordained a Deacon for the Buffalo Diocese in 2000 and was currently assigned to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.  He worked as a Pastoral Administrator for the St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church in Franklinville from February 20, 2017 to June 30, 2018.  Dick became a member of the Regional Ministry Team from the Dioceses of Buffalo on July 1, 2018 and was still presently serving.  His responsibilities were conducted at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Olean, the Oratory of the Sacred Heart in Portville, and St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Parish in Franklinville.

            Dick's diaconate service ministry was to the immigration population of the greater Olean area and his love for this ministry was felt world-wide. 

            Dick loved geology, orchids, and raising bonsai trees.  He served as the President of the Buffalo Bonsai Society for several years.  Dick was completely dedicated to his family, whom he dearly loved.

            Along with his loving wife, Dick is survived by; 3 children, Jessica A. (Albert) Robles of Dunsmuir, CA, Lea E. (Dan Gonska) Matthews of Olean, and Jordan J. Matthews of Westons Mills; a granddaughter, Elise A. Matthews; and a sister, Cynthia Bouck of Schenectady.

            Dick was predeceased by a sister, Sylvia Matthews LaGrange.

            Friends will be received at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, where a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at 10:30 am.  The Rev. James Vacco, Vicar-Forane of Southern Cattaraugus County, will celebrate, with other local priests.

            In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 South Union Street, Olean, New York 14760, St. Philomena's Roman Catholic Church, 26 Plymouth Avenue, Franklinville, New York 14737, Genesis House, 107 South Barry Street, Olean, New York 14760, or the Olean Food Pantry, 8 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, New York 14760.

            Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State Street, Olean.  Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com