William O’Connell Matthews died peacefully at his home in Bronxville, N.Y. on January 27, 2011. He was also a resident of Osterville, MA, and Palm Beach, FL. Bill was devoted to his faith and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janet (Ross), two adoring children, Jennifer Matthews Frost of Bronxville, and her two children, Elizabeth M. Frost and Gerard G. Frost,
III, and son William O. Matthews, Jr., and his wife Angela of Pacific Palisades, CA and their three sons, William O’Connell Matthews, III, Tristen V. Matthews, and Trevor C. Matthews. He is also survived by his sister Mary J. Matthews of Manhattan and several nieces and nephews. William is a direct descendant of Daniel O’Connell, the famed Irish Patriot and writer who served with distinction in the British House of Commons and for whom the O’Connell Bridge in Dublin is named. Born in Boston, Mr. Matthews joined the U.S. Navy, finished submarine school and served on the USS Spinax SS489. Upon completion of Naval service, he attended Boston College from which he he graduated in 1955. Beginning his long and productive career in the investment business, Mr. Matthews joined Kidder, Peabody in Boston and later moved to Paine Webber before moving to New York where he held positions of increasing responsibility. He completed his distinguished career in 1998, retiring as a General Partner and Managing Director at SG Cowen & Company. Long a supporter of Boston College, Mr. Matthews donated a Student Lounge and a Computer Lab to graduate business school now called the Carroll School of Management. In addition, he was a major benefactor of the Irish Studies Program. Mr. Matthews was also generous with his time as a member of the Knights of Malta, and the Boston College Wall Street Council, which provides a wide range of scholarships. He was a long time member of the friendly Sons of St. Patrick as well as the Rotary Club of Bronxville. He was a long time member of the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville; and the Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville and The Beach Club in Centerville, MA. In Palm Beach he was a benefactor of The Society of Four Arts, and also a member of The Beach Club and the Breakers Ocean Golf Club. Calling hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son, Funeral Home, Bronxville, 4 to 8 pm Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Joseph’s church, Bronxville, on Thursday February 3rd at 10am. A private burial will be held in Boston, MA. A memorial service is being planned in Osterville in the summer. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care, 69 Main Street, Tuckahoe, N.Y. 10707. www.jansenhospice.org
Leave a Condolence