Paul F. Matthews

Plaistow, NH: Paul F. Matthews, 77, of Plaistow, died on November 24, 2015 at Massachusetts General Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Arlington, MA and raised and educated in Somerville, MA, son of the late Peter and Mary (Young) Matthews, he attended Somerville High School. Mr. Matthews served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Somerville Fire Department for twenty-eight years. He established Matthews Auto Body in Somerville in 1959 before moving to Plaistow in 1977, where he opened a second location for his business on Main Street in Plaistow, which is still owned and operated by the Matthews Family.

Mr. Matthews enjoyed stock car racing for over thirty-five years and took part in events at Star Speedway, Lee USA Speedway, Hudson Speedway, and Pines Speedway. He also enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe and spending time around town with his dog, Frosty.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Linda (Pelton) Matthews, two sons and a daughter, Paul M. Matthews, David M. Matthews and his wife Kelly, Kelly J. Bezanson and her husband Dan, all of Plaistow, a brother, Daniel Matthews of North Reading, MA, a sister, Kathleen "Pat" Van Lier of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, four grandchildren, Brett Matthews, Casey Matthews, Shannon Matthews, and Erin Matthews, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Matthew's Life Celebration on Sunday, November 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will take place on Monday, November 30 at 1 p.m. in the funeral home followed by burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Plaistow. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 Chicago, IL 60601. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.