Dr. Anthony Alson Matthews found his lasting peace on Tuesday, April 21 at his home in Genoa, Ohio, in the house built 40 years earlier by him, his cherished children, and the love of his life, Marianne Rose (St. John) Matthews. Anthony was born on Tuesday, January 7, 1936 in Toledo Ohio to loving parents Alson A. and Helen M. (Hoffman) Matthews. Anthony attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary, the Seminary at Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, and Toledo Scott High School. Anthony proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1962, where he earned the rank of E-4 Sergeant. In 1960, Tony would marry the love of his life, Marianne St. John. After an early career at Libbey Owens Ford in Rossford, Ohio, Anthony started his path toward a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Mary Manse College, guided and supported by Marianne. He continued his education at the University of Toledo, and at the age of 38, Anthony finished his studies at The Ohio State University, often within earshot of Woody Hayes’ football practices. In 1973, Marianne and their six children proudly attended Anthony’s graduation. After several years supporting local Northwest Ohio Veterinarians, Dr. Matthews and his family moved to Genoa, OH, to build his home and practice. The property in Genoa included the Village Veterinary Clinic, built by his sons and daughters, where Dr. Matthews would carry on the tradition of compassionate veterinary service in the area once wonderfully served by Dr. Paul Mancinotti. Doc would go on to build the love and trust of his wonderful clients and their beloved animals for over 30 years. He cherished the dedication, hard work and loyalty of his clinic staff, most of whom became like family to him. All of his 13 children would work in the practice and share fond memories of being part of his legacy. The practice was lovingly transitioned to Dr. Kelly Riedeman in 2008.
At an early age, Anthony learned the value of hard work from his mom, Helen and his dad, Alson. From shoe shining to caddying at historic Inverness, Anthony found ways to help support his family.
A joyous and transcendent thanks to the Holy places Anthony called home during his life; including St. Thomas Aquinas (East Toledo), the Seminary at Niagara Falls, St. Ignatius Catholic Church (Oregon, OH), St. Christopher Catholic Church (Columbus, OH) and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Genoa, OH), serving with the Knights of Columbus.
Grandpa Matthews treasured his grandchildren, each and every one, and had a story or kindness for each of them. Anthony did his best to teach his children and grandchildren to be great fishermen and gardeners; to honor his hero, friend, and brother, Harry Roberts.
Dad was a great admirer of artisans, and he and Mom loved adventures to Amish Country, art museums, and dining out at local restaurants. Anthony and Marianne went on many adventures in their life, starting with a road trip out west to Yellowstone National Park for their honeymoon and ending with a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii in their retirement years. They showed their children the world, including trips to Washington D.C., most recently as an honored Marine Veteran with Flag City Honor Flight. Visiting Acadia National Park, the Carnegie Museum, and annual trips to Cedar Point with the whole family were much loved outings.
If you didn’t find Anthony at the clinic, you might find him at Eastern Lanes for his Wednesday night bowling league or Felbinger’s Grill after Saturday office hours before heading out on farm calls. Thursdays were dad’s day off, and meant trips to The Andersons General Store, Genoa Pharmacy, Bowland Accounting, Miller’s New Market, The Palace (Anna’s Family Restaurant), Bob Evans, or his recent favorite, the Genoa Dollar General on Saturdays with his $5 off $25 coupon. Anthony loved a good nap, and religiously took one every day over his lunch hour from the clinic. He loved The Ohio State University and cheering for the Buckeyes, listening to WJR Radio in Detroit, riding his John Deere mower over the 10-acres of property where the clinic and his home were built, sitting on the front porch watching his many bird feeders, never missing an episode of Jeopardy! and enjoying a home cooked meal.
Each child had a few special things only they shared with Dad. How he accomplished that, only God knows, but it is how he was able to make each one feel his bond, even though his time was shared with so many.
Anthony will forever be a presence in the hearts and lives of his wife of 59 years, Marianne, and their children, Joseph (Tami) Matthews, Rachael (Patrick) Vieth, Martha (Peter) Fellman, Sarah (Chris) Cripps, Rebecca (Arthur) Eli, Isaac (Julianne) Matthews, Anne (Keith) Heyman, Esther (Kenneth) Guthrie, Susanna (Jonathan) Gerlach, Aaron (Casandra) Matthews, John (Julia) Matthews, Paul (Dana) Matthews and Ruth Pettrey. Anthony is also survived by his sister Helen (Richard) Michalek, sisters-in-law, Pearl Roberts, Jerry Matthews and Rose Matthews, as well as his longtime friend, Jerry Kurek. Anthony and Marianne have been blessed with 47 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Anthony was preceded in death by infant daughter, Anna Mary, his parents, brothers, Harold, William, Richard, and John Roberts, Ronald and Thomas Matthews.
A private funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, officiated by Fr. Keith Stripe, where Anthony will be laid to rest next to daughter, Anna Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa County Humane Society or Heartbeat of Ottawa County.
A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held when circumstances allow and gathering restrictions are lifted.
“Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.” – Rachel Ann Nunes