Richard R. Matthews

Richard R Matthews, a lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, passed away on February 16, 2023, at Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. He was 92 years old. Richard, fondly known as "Dick," was born on August 21, 1930, at the Good Samaritan Hospital, and grew up living in 12 houses his parents rented across all three districts of the city.

During his school years, Dick developed a passion for boxing, and even had a professional fight in Miami. He dropped out of Palm Beach High School in 1946 to enlist in the U.S. Army. Proudly serving his country, he was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and completed 32 jumps. He received an honorable discharge from the Army a month before the start of the Korean War.

After his discharge, he worked in various trades before becoming a cable splicer for Southern Bell. However, his employment ended in 1955 due to the CWA strike. He then became a plumber, where he excelled until his retirement.

Dick was an active individual and enjoyed fishing, spearfishing, water skiing, and gardening. He even grew a variety of palm trees on his farm on Ranch House Road. He is predeceased by his parents, Rex and Violet Matthews, and his sisters, Dorothy and Connie. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra DiMaio, son-in-law Hugh, granddaughters, Andrea Marsico and husband Richie, Lindi Holland and husband John, grandson Roman Marsico, brother Bill Matthews and wife Jackie.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 2170 S Military Trail, West Palm Beach. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am.

Dick will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 2:30 PM on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth. Please assemble in Lane #3 by 2:15 PM if attending services at the cemetery on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Peggyadams.org/donate as a memorial gift.