Thaddeus John Matthews, 91, Ridley Township resident passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 29 at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.


Thaddeus was born in Woodlyn and graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1941. He enlisted in the US ARMY at the age of 19 and served as an artilleryman in World War II engaging most notably in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.


Upon his arrival home he worked as a draftsman for Sun Ship in Chester and grew to become a respected designer working for engineers as McAndrew and Smith. Thaddeus retired from Catania Engineering at the age of 84.


He was a 40 year member of the Ridley Township Building Committee. Many homes and well known businesses were designed by Thaddeus, an honorary street named "Matthews Way" in Woodlyn was dedicated in his honor.


He was a 45 year spiritual retreatant with the Men of Malvern.


Mr. Matthews lived a good life spending time at his mountain home in Lordville, N.Y. and with family in North Wildwood, N.J. As a devoted parent he passed on his kindness, wisdom, humor, and selflessness to his family. He was always surrounded by his loving family in life, as well as in the end.


Beloved husband of the late Helene T (O'Reilly). Loving father of William (Debra) of Folcroft, Anna Lea Reinboth (Thomas) of Warminster, John (Lynn) of Ridley Park, Raymond of Havertown, and Helene Giuliante (Michael) of Glenolden. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren. All Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life.


Mass: 10am Monday, May 4, 2015 The Church of St. Madeline, Penn St and Morton Ave, Ridley Park.


Burial: Immaculate Heart Cemetery, Lower Chi Chester Pa


Visitation: 7-9pm Sunday, May 3, 2015 and 8:30-9:15am Monday, May 4, 2015, White – Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park



Contributions: The Men of Malvern, Malvern Pa.