William D. Matthews, Jr.

William "Bill" Matthews Jr. passed away at home on July 19, 2023 with his loving family at his side. He was 75 years old.

Bill was born in Troy NY on September 25, 1947 to the late William Matthews Sr. and late Loretta (nee Lenway). He graduated from Albany High in 1966. Shortly after graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army for 3 years which included a tour in Vietnam. Upon his Honorable discharge, he worked for the U.S. Post Office until his retirement in 2002. Bill and his wife, Leslie (nee Raczynski) moved from Albany to Knox NY in 1976. He remodeled the interior of their home several times and after retirement built a 3-story addition.

Bill loved to walk the roads and parks of Knox and was recognized by many local residents. He passed on his artistic and construction skills to his two sons. His sons and grandson, Jackson inherited his love of music and he could be heard whistling and singing along with the tunes. Watching old films of The Three Stooges was something he enjoyed doing with his grandson during their weekly visits. Bill let his boys be boys and he let them dream big—then he encouraged them by building their dreams for them…a skateboard ramp, a tree house, a band room so they could expand their musical talents.

Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leslie, sons David Matthews and his partner, Melissa Scheffer, Jason Matthews and his partner Amanda Liddle, as well as his grandson Jackson Matthews. He was predeceased by his half-sisters Mary Dodge and Betty O'Clair. He is survived by his sister Kathy Rockenstire and her husband Raymond, nephew Lou Wilkenson (Kristen) and nieces Marie Tomek (Brian) and April Murphy (Earl) as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces and several half-siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday, August 1 from 3pm-6pm where there will be a celebration of life at 5:30pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. The interment will be a private ceremony at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

The Family would like to thank The Community Hospice of Albany for their support of Bill and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to them at The Community Hospice Foundation 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany NY, 12208.