Robert J. “Bob” Matthews, Jr.

Robert J. “Bob” Matthews Jr., 84, of Holbrook, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025.

Bob was the beloved husband of 56 years to the late Elizabeth A. “Betty” Matthews.

Loving father of Kimberly Murphy and her husband Kevin of West Bridgewater, Jeannine Helen and her husband David of Salem, John Matthews and his wife Maria of Salem, and Susan Matthews of Abington.

Cherished “Grandpa”, “Grampy” and “Papa” of James, Aoife, Kiera and Bella.

Bob was the brother of the late Thomas Matthews and his wife Judith, James Matthews and his wife Francesca, and Barbara Donnelly and her husband Ed. He was the brother-in-law of Joanne Gallant and her husband Charles.

Bob is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Born on August 31, 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Mary Dorothy (Hennessey) and Robert J. Matthews Sr., Bob grew up in Dorchester and South Boston. He graduated from South Boston High School in 1958.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1961 (and Navy Reserve from 1961-1964) in Lakehurst, New Jersey, during which time he jumped out of an airplane 19 times.

After working at the First National Bank for a short time, Bob began working as a letter carrier in 1962, first in West Roxbury and later in East Weymouth for a total of 37 years. After retiring, he started a second career as the Site Coordinator for Meals on Wheels in Milton, where he was employed for 12 years.

Bob was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Holbrook for over 50 years. He was very active in Holbrook Youth Soccer in the 1980’s and 90’s as a coach and later as president of the soccer league.

A huge sports fan, Bob especially loved the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics and college basketball. He was an avid gardener, growing a large vegetable garden in his yard for over 50 years.

Bob also enjoyed reading the Boston Globe, golfing, traveling and taking walks with his wife Betty and spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Bob had a smile for every person that he came across and will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Allerton House for the love and care that they gave to Bob.

Funeral from the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, 127 South Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Friday, August 21^st at 10:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Holbrook at 11am.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 21^st from 4-7pm.  Interment Blue Hills Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels at South Shore Elder Services via https://sselder.org/mealsonwheels/.