Obituary of Robert L. Mathew

Robert L. Mathew Sr. A devoted and revered husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Age 89, of Big Flats. Robert was born September 28, 1933 in Elmira, NY, son of the late Joseph and Johanna (Fechner) Mathew, and passed away on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Donna (Schmalenberg) in 2013; their infant daughter Kathleen in 1962; and brother Francis (Beverly) Mathew, and sister Rita McGinley. He is survived by his daughter and sons, Joanne (Raymond) Parker of Lowman, John (Terri O'Brien) Mathew of Etters, PA, Robert (Moriah) Mathew Jr. of Granite Falls, WA and Mark (Wendy) Mathew of Big Flats; grandchildren, Sara Truman, Holly (AJ) Nowaczyk, Michael (Alisha) Talmage; Samuel, Elyssa, and Carly Mathew, Christopher, Steven, and Daniel Mathew; great grandchildren Steven and Paul Truman, Addalynne Talmage, and Braxtonn Talmage. Bob worked as an engineer for Corning Inc., retiring as a manager after over 30 years. He was proud to receive his degree in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as the first in his family to go to college. During college he served in the U.S. Army. He and Donna received a Papal Blessing on their marriage, as well as their 50th wedding anniversary. The Mathew family were long time communicants of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads. They spent their lives raising their family on Harris Hill Road in Big Flats, and were fortunate to travel extensively to Japan, England, Hawaii, and all over the United States. Bob's joy was found in Donna, raising their family, and the time they all spent together. He had a passion for flowers, having quite a view from his window of all the blooms he raised across his property. He loved beaches, but also Christmastime. A very generous man, Bob contributed often to St. Mary Our Mother Catholic School, along with several other charitable organizations. Family and friends are invited to visit the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., in Horseheads, on Sunday, October 1st 2023 from 4 pm to 7 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Our Mother Catholic Church, 815 W. Broad Street, in Horseheads, on Monday, October 2nd 2023 at 10 am. Committal and interment prayers will follow in St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery, Horseheads. Those wishing may honor Bob with a donation in his name to the Southern Tier Food Bank.