Eugene E. “Smiley” Matthews
January 28, 1940 - May 19, 2023
Eugene E. “Smiley” Matthews, age 83, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Born in Stanton, DE on January 28, 1940, he was a son of the late Walter and Hattie (Miller) Matthews. Smiley proudly served in the Delaware National Guard from 1958 – 1963. In 2001, after 39 dedicated years as a Local 42 Union Insulator, Smiley retired. He served as the Local 42 Financial Secretary for many years and was Trustee on the Health and Welfare Fund.
Due to his love of bowling with Pat on Sunday nights, Smiley was also the president of their league for quite some time. Continuing his passion for sports, Smiley served as the Vice President of New Castle Little League, where you could find him most evenings and weekends. He was a long-time booster for William Penn High School Wrestling, where he never missed a wrestling match. He enjoyed supporting the Delaware wrestling community any way he could and was recognized with the 2005 Service Award from the Delaware Wrestling Alliance. His deep-rooted commitment to each of these organizations was admirable. One of the greatest days of his life was watching his Philadelphia Eagles finally winning a Super Bowl in 2018. Above anything else, Smiley cherished spending time with his family as a proud and devoted father and pop-pop. He and Pat never missed a sporting event for their children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Smiley was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Elizabeth “Pat” Matthews, and sister, Charlotte Ansalvish. He is survived by his children, Vivian Dillon (John), Monica Rodkey (Brian), Carrie Kitto (Dave), Gene Matthews (Colleen) and Scott Matthews (Angela); siblings, Gloria Stucker (Ned), Mert Matthews and Irene Ellsworth; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 7 pm. We would like to honor Smiley by having anyone attending come in their favorite Philadelphia Eagles or Phillies gear or any other sports team “excluding Dallas Cowboys”. Interment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Smiley’s name to the Christiana Care Heart and Vascular Center, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718 or online by clicking here or to the William Penn High School Wrestling Booster, 713 East Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720.
Jeff Thomas
So sorry to hear about Mr. Matthews. He was an unbelievable person and I enjoyed talking family and sports with him so many times over the years. I know he will be missed dearly and my heart goes out to the entire family. I will reach out to all of you when we return from vacation but I’ll be thinking about everyone and praying for the entire family. God bless.
Valorie Stecher Gillard
I am so sorry for the families loss. Pat and Smiley and our were best friends back when our children were little. They came to my rescue so many times.
We also had lots of fun on Saturday night poker at each others homes. I will always remember Smiley’s smile.
I’m sure they are dancing in heaven today. Lord watch over their families at this sad time.
Michael DelliCompagni
I just saw Mr Matthews recently. Where? We were at a wrestling match of course! It was great to see him and catch up. He had a smile on his face and nothing but kind words.
One of a kind….
I can’t make it Wednesday but I will be thinking about the entire Matthews crew. First class all the way…
Thoughts and prayers to all.
Billy Wipf
I am so sorry that Smiley passed away. He was a great man. I worked with him with the Wm. Penn Wrestling Booster club. He was outstanding. I send my condolences to all his family.
Brian Keskemety
So sorry for ur loss
Bill Sullivan
Lots of great memories growing up with the Matthews family! Always enjoyed our conversations with Mr and Mrs Matthews at softball or travel baseball games. They both certainly had an impact on my life. Patty and I send our deepest condolences.
Billy, Patty, Shayne & Bill Bill
Thomas Guliano
I’ve been honored to work alongside Mr. Matthews youngest son for many years and I’ve always looked up to his family values. I’ve heard alot of stories, as I know Scott would stop there just about every trip back home then back to work, always bringing great stories with his pops. I feel like I know the man. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss but it makes me very proud how you all where rite there for your father, grandfather, great grandfather. I know that meant the world to him. It makes me feel like he spent his last moments with his favorite people, his family. He is now back with his partner and they will both be Angel’s on all of your shoulders. Much respect and rest in peace Mr and Mrs Matthews
Amy S.
Carrie & Family,
Thoughts & Prayers to you and your family during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort knowing Smileys reunited with his love 💕
Donald Johnson
So sad to hear Mr.Matthews was an awesome Man,and an inspiration to many people
Chris Massey
Dear Smiley…
Thank you for being so generous with your time that you shared with so many of us. Thank you Smiley, for your dedication and hard work for others, always for others. Thank you Smiley, for your dry sense of humor.
It was my pleasure to have known you and worked with you in the Wm. Penn Wrestling Boosters. I’m proud to have known you. You were truly a good man!!!
God Bless you and your family.
RIP Smiley and Pat. You are already missed.
Sincerely
Bill Sullivan
Nancy and I send our condolences to the Matthews family great memories sitting with your mom and dad at baseball games sorry for your loss
Joan Wilmoth and family
I am so sorry I will not be able to be there to spend time with the family. I know what a wonderful person Smiley was and what a wonderful family he was blessed to have. I send along our sympathy but also my wish that once the pain has lessened, you can smile and laugh about the wonderful lives and wonderful times you had with your Dad. Love to all.