Richard D. Matthews

Richard Duane Matthews, known affectionately by his friends and family as Walt, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at St. James Hospital. Born on April 6, 1933, in Penn Yan, NY, to Wendall and Viola Matthews, Walt lived a life filled with laughter, love, and a passion for sports that inspired those close to him.


Predeceased by his wife, Patricia Matthews, brothers Donald "Spook" Matthews, William Matthews, and sister Joyce Melanbacher, Walt's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his surviving family. He leaves behind his sister Jean (Gene) Bolster, sister-in-law Janet Matthews, daughter Gay Fairbrother (Robert Lyon), and son Richard "Matt" Matthews (Diane Colitti). Walt's legacy continues through his grandchildren Amanda (Johnny) Casteel, Rachelle (Justin) Partridge, Allison (Mike) Gala, Alexis (Garrett) Frazier, as well as his treasured great-grandchildren Reece, Isabella, John Patrick, Anthony, Eve, Charlotte, Marilyn, Gunnar, Juliana, Luca, and Marjorie. He was very fond of his nieces and nephews, and he loved to hear about them and their families. He treasured his friendships with many over the years.


Walt's early life was marked by his education at Cohocton Central School, where he first showcased his natural leadership and athleticism. Walt honorably served his country as an Air Traffic Control Operator in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957, a period during which he developed a lifelong sense of discipline and camaraderie. He went on to further his education at Alfred State College, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Business Administration.


Later, he served as the Business Manager at Avoca Central School from 1963 to 1988. After his retirement there, Walt began to work as a bus driver for Alfred State College, a role he enjoyed for over 20 years.


Walt's love for sports was unparalleled. His prowess on the bowling lanes was no secret, as evidenced by his three 300 games and his proud induction into the Wayland-Cohocton Athletics Hall of Fame. His athletic skill extended to the baseball diamond, where he was once drafted to the Philadelphia Phillies. He remained a lifelong baseball fan. He relished opportunities to play golf, go fishing, and hunting. The competition and the friendships made the games enjoyable for him. Perhaps his greatest joy came from attending his grandchildren's sporting events, where he could be found cheering them on with pride.


Walt was a man of humor and kindness, traits that endeared him to everyone he met. He approached life with a gentle spirit, always ready with a smile or a funny quip to lighten the hearts of those around him.


May his laughter and love resonate for generations, reminding us all to embrace the joys of life with the same fervor he did. Walt will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Friends and loved ones are welcome to join the family to celebrate Walt's life on Saturday, 2/8/25 at Noon at the Wayland American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation's in his name may be made to the Avoca Food Bank and the Avoca Sports Boosters.