Obituary of Marvin B. Matthews

PITCAIRN – Marvin B. Matthews, Jr., age 59, of Pitcairn, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 29, 2017. There will be a funeral service held outside at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life and luncheon inside the Elks Lodge. Anyone who is unable to attend the service but would like to gather at the luncheon is welcome to come and share stories, laughter, and a meal with family and friends. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Marvin was born on January 19, 1958 in Lincoln, ME, the son of Marvin B. Matthews, Sr. and the late Janice E. (Smith) Matthews. He lived with his family in Brushton, NY and Gouverneur, NY. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School and was educated in the Electrical Trades at Southwest Technical Center. He served in the United States Navy from 1976 until his honorable discharge in 1979. Marvin married Connie A. Hendrick on July 25, 1987 at the Gouverneur Presbyterian Church with Rev. Everett Waite officiating. The couple built their beautiful home together over the years. Marvin was a perfectionist with a larger than life attitude. He loved fishing, especially fishing for walleye on the St. Lawrence River, as well as ice fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, and restoring motorcycles, old trucks, and antiques. He was a former member of two hunting clubs; the Bingo Club and Owl Mountain Club. He enjoyed traveling to his family's lakeside camp in Maine. His greatest pride and joy was his daughter, Carly. She was his best accomplishment. Marvin recently retired as a Line Foreman for National Grid. He proudly worked for the utility since 1991. He was a member of IBEW Local #1249. He had previously worked in construction for several companies, performing roofing, electrical work and carpentry. He was a jack of all trades, and was a master of many. His survivors include his wife, Connie of Pitcairn; his daughter, Carly R. Matthews of Delmar; his father, Marvin B. Matthews, Sr. of Gouverneur; and sisters, Rhonda J. Bowen of Brushton and Carolee S. and Dennis Premo of Fowler. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Marvin is predeceased by his mother, Janice Matthews; and an infant brother, Gregory William Matthews. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marvin may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676 or to a charity of your choice.