A personal obituary written to her father from his loving daughter, Bobbie:
My father, Robert A. Matheson, was one of the most wonderful people to ever walk this planet. He was the best father a girl could ever ask for. I would not be who i am today if it weren’t for him. He is My hero. The person who means the most to me in this world. I even have the great honor of being named after him.
Born and raised in the Port Richmond section of Staten Island, my father has always been a staple of the neighborhood. My father attended P.S. 19, and Port Richmond High School, where he was listed on the permanent honor role. He then attended Wagner College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Dad had worked for Sun Chemicals. Dad than decided to take a career change, and became a caseworker for the Bureau of Child Welfare, known today as the Administration for Children’s Services. Dad then explored a different department, and retired from the application processing unit of the Human Resources Administration. Dad was always dedicated to helping people, and looking out for the well-being of others. Dad believed in empathy, and put human nature in to perspective with his famous words: “It takes more effort to understand than it does to criticize”.
Dad served in the United States Army, and was a member of the Signal Corps. During his time of service, Dad traveled, and had the opportunity to visit Germany, Denmark, and Norway. Dad was also an avid baseball player, and fan of building model airplanes, producing beautiful pieces of work over the years.
During the summertime, Dad would enjoy sitting outside, listening to his music, and having a nice cold beer. The tunes of Fleetwood Mac, Frank Sinatra, Bing Cosby, Bea Wain, and Johnny Cash, could always be heard playing from our front porch.
Dad was known for riding his scooter around the neighborhood while our dog, our Golden retriever Ginger, would follow along. During the evening, dad would be comfortably seated in his favorite recliner, watching Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, often while solving a crossword puzzle.
Dad had another saying: “I refuse to be dictated by time.” And that’s exactly what he followed. He lived at his own comfort and pace. He did not let the feeling of time pressure him. Dad lived his 86 years by his own rules. Dad lived his 86 years with many laughs and smiles.
My father and I’s song is “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine”. Dad, you are, and will forever be my sunshine.
Love, forever and always, Bobbie
*In Lieu of Flowers, the family has asked to CASC – cascsiny.org/donate or you can mail your donation to:
CASC –56 Bay Street, 5th Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301
Service
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Saturday, September 22, 2018
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday, September 22, 20187:00pm - 9:00pm
Private Cremation
Liberty Grove Memorial Gardens
Old Bridge, New Jersey
The Jordon Family says
We love both our bobby’s . May the good lord carry him to his rheart sting place , May the sun be always at his back and until we meet again may god continue to hold you in the palm of his hands !
Love you
Mama Donna says
Beautiful tribute to your dad. You made me tear up.
MARION says
Awe Bobby that was beautifully written… Your dad was an amazing man and dad. He will be missed by many… Your an amazing woman be strong. Hugs to you and ginger. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
Love
Marion & Chance
VIRGINIA ERICKSEN says
I can’t believe what I am reading. I met Bob when I worked at “Sun Chemical” which was Ansbacher Siegel at the time. My mother Rose worked there also.
I remembered every Flag Day that it was his birthday. The first Golden Retriever’s name was “Sunny” who he loved very much as well.
Bob would send a Christmas Card to my sister in Florida every year.
He was a soft spoken, kind man with a “funny” sense of humor
May he rest in Peace with everyone he loved.
Sincerely,
Jinnie Ericksen