Robert D. Matthews

ORANGE- Robert D. “Buzzy” Matthews, 67, of Cheney Street, died unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2021 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill earlier at home.

Buzzy was born on September 13, 1953 in Cambridge, the son of Walter C. and Jessie (Rodway) Matthews and grew up in Cambridge.

Following school, Buzzy served in the United States Army during Vietnam.

On September 6, 1998, Buzzy married Dawn (McCauley) whom he courted for 10 years and they have enjoyed 22 years of marriage and raising their family.

Buzzy was employed by APA Transmission and was a skilled mechanic. He previously had worked at the Rodney Hunt Company in Orange and was a plumber for Berrell Plumbing.

Buzzy’s skilled mechanical knowledge led him to hold the head mechanic position for Arthur Gallant Racing team.

Buzzy enjoyed building model airplanes and metal detecting, but his family was the most important thing to him and they thought of him as an amazing husband and father and nothing short of a legend.

Buzzy had also been a volunteer for a Search and Rescue team.

Survivors include his loving wife, Dawn Matthews of Orange; children, Hannah Robichaud (Paul Larson) of Athol, Corey Robichaud of California, Jesse Matthews, and Robby Matthews (Morgan Hill), all of Orange; grandchildren, Keanna Lewis, Emilee Matthews, Violet Robichaud, Leo Matthews, Lukas Matthews, Brandon Matthews, Braxton Matthews, Cilas Matthews and Jack Matthews. Buzzy also leaves sisters, Roberta Lavalle of Bow, NH and Jessie Paris of NH; and several nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Buzzy was predeceased by his siblings, Walter Matthews, Ronald Matthews, Alice Lawson, Arlene Jack, Warren Jack and Harold Jack,

Services will be held at a later date to be announced.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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