Earl J. Mathews

Earl Joseph Mathews, 86, of Millbury, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 21, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on November 24, 1938, in Worcester, MA, he was the youngest child of Eva “Beatrice” (Brosseau) and Arcay “Arthur” Mathews of Worcester. He grew up on Grafton Hill but later relocated to Millbury. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 31 years, Gail (Army) Mathews, whom he devotedly cared for in her final years, as well as his siblings Rita Dumas of Millbury, Thelma Brewer of Sterling, and Arthur Mathews of Worcester. He is survived by his son, Earl Jude Mathews and his wife Melanie of Douglas; his five grandchildren, Melissa DuBois and her husband Paul of Princeton, Marlena Shaffer and her husband Rob of Hopedale, Tyler Mathews and his wife Katie of Dudley, Kylie Cafferky and her husband Dan of South Carolina, and Samuel Mathews of Douglas; ten great-grandchildren, and many dear extended family members and friends.

He was a proud veteran of the Navy, where he served as an aerial photographer and aerial navigator. After his military service, he became a class A machinist and ran a 40-foot bed steel planer at Lodding Engineering Corporation in Worcester. He also gained a reputation as a “jack of all trades,” working as a milkman, as well as a wedding and portrait photographer.

A devoted Catholic, he was a proud parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Millbury, but also frequently attended St. Mark’s Parish in Sutton. He was also a lay associate of the Sisters of the Assumption.

Earl was a lifetime member of the Singletary Rod and Gun Club, where he served as former rifle range chairman. He also served as the Director-at-Large of the Worcester County League of Sportsmen and the Membership Chair of the Blackpatch Muzzle Loaders. Into his 80s, Earl was an avid long-distance runner, and his favorite running accomplishment was finishing the Mount Tecumseh 10K in New Hampshire. He was a passionate outdoorsman and an intelligent survivalist, enjoying activities such as trout fishing, camping, deer and wild boar hunting, trail running, hosting cookouts at his pool, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed attending his great grandchildren's games and recitals and was lovingly referred to as “Pepérè the Great.” Despite this full life, he never missed Saturday evening mass.

Earl’s memory and relentless sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He made us all laugh until his final hour, and he will be deeply missed by many. His Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 12 Waters Street in Millbury, MA on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours as he hoped those who would like to honor his life would attend his Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Assumption Parish.