Obituary of Eugene Arthur Matthews

Eugene Arthur Matthews of North Port, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 3rd, at the age of 87. Gene was born on March 16, 1936 to Arthur and Betty Matthews in Brooklyn, NY along with two older sisters, Carol and Doris. Days after his 18th birthday, he joined the US ARMY, and served in the ASA during the Korean War. He later met the love of his life, Lorraine, and they married in 1960. The newlyweds welcomed daughters Debbie, Diane, and son Steven before moving to North Port in 1972. Gene was well known around town for his civic engagement and desire to help the youth of North Port, who were often sent out of town to different schools throughout the county. Among other things, Gene served as a volunteer firefighter and helped start the town’s first newspaper, “The North Port News”. He and his wife owned Matthews Realty for many years, and also Matthews Insurance, which is still run by their son, Steven. In addition to his professional accolades, he spent countless hours advocating for the city and its residents. He was on the Sarasota County School Board from 1982-1990 and is also the first and only North Port resident to serve as a Sarasota County Commissioner. His advocacy for the youth of the community and commitment to their success led to the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club being named in his honor in 1997. To his family, he is fondly remembered as an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. Over the years, the entire family has shared many special memories traveling around the world and seeing new sights together. He will be well-remembered for his professionalism, kindness, generosity, and vision for the community.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine, of nearly 63 years, sister Doris Bright of Rowland, PA, children, Debbie (Bob) of North Port, FL, Diane of St. Petersburg, FL, Steven (Sharon) of North Port, FL, and his grandchildren: Brandon (Katie) of Houston, TX, Tyler (Arrie) of St. Petersburg, FL, Ryan of Sarasota, FL, and Chase, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at San Pedro Catholic Church on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 12 noon, and continue at the San Pedro Activities Center from 1 – 3 PM.

To share a memory of Gene or to leave a condolence for the family visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club in his honor at https://bgcsdc.org/donate-now.