John T. Matthew

John T. Matthew, 90, of Cleveland, Tennessee (formally of Fallentimber, PA), passed away on April 10, 2023 at home. He was born in Fallentimber on April 7, 1933, son of the late Charles A. and Linnie J. (Troxell) Matthew.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille J. (Beers) Matthew whom he married on June 1, 1957 in Winchester, Virginia, their two children, John F. (Marina) Matthew of New Cumberland, PA and Carol Jean (Doug) Rosette of Cleveland, TN; two grandchildren, Charles Joseph (CJ) Matthew and Pauline E. Matthew.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Benjamin F. Troxell.

John was a 1952 graduate of Reade Township High School. His working years were extensive. He was a coal miner and worked in the mining industry for over 35 years. He was also a certified electrician and a proud life-long farmer. When jobs were scarce, he also operated heavy equipment; John helped to construct the breast of the dam at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Additionally, he worked for various logging operations and in construction for local builder, Dean Youngkin.

He proudly belonged to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), Local 1269. He was a member of the Coalport Lodge No. 574, Free and Accepted Masons, the Williamsport Consistory, and the Jaffa Shriners of Altoona, PA. John was also a member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA).

John had a wide array of hobbies and interests. He was an avid gardener and loved to work the soil. He liked to fish and prospect for gold. He especially enjoyed working in the woods. He spent a lot of time reading and researching and he looked forward to learning new things. And above all, he loved spending time with his wife and family. John will be remembered for many things, most notably his work ethic and genuine kindness.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” for John in his hometown community in Pennsylvania; he will be laid to rest in Beaver Valley Cemetery in Flinton, PA on April 22, 2023.