Obituary of Richard C. Matheson

Richard (Dick) Charles Matheson, 93, of Staten Island, New York, passed away on November 7, 2022. Richard was a lifelong Staten Islander, born in Tottenville on September 13, 1929, to Andrew and Marion Matheson, nee Pierce. He was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Tottenville High School on February 3, 1948, Richard attended Delehanty Institute, New York, NY where he earned a certificate in radio television repair. Richard managed his family’s hardware store in Tottenville before serving in the Korean War as a machinist with the United States Army. Richard served his country from February 1951 – February 1953. Upon honorable discharge from the United States Army, Richard returned to the family hardware business. Richard later changed his career to sales at Benjamin Moore Paint corporate offices in New York City where he met Carole. Soon after their marriage and settling in Westerleigh, Staten Island, Richard and Carole opened One Hour Martinizing in Meiers Corners which later became Victory Cleaners. Richard lived in Westerleigh for 60 years, with his wife Carole, where they raised their two children. After retiring and selling the business around 1993, Richard kept busy working at Century 21 Real Estate, Meiers Corners, installing ‘For Sale’ signs for agents. He also enjoyed woodworking including making small wood crafts. Richard is survived by his wife Carole of 60 years, daughter Suzanne Deaton, her husband Eric, grandchildren Gregory and Faith Deaton of Scottsdale, AZ; son Rich Matheson, his wife Kelly, granddaughter Brianna Matheson and her mother Michelle Bellajonas, of Staten Island, NY. Richard is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and great nephews, and their children too. Richard is predeceased by his parents, brothers John (Jean) Matheson and Donald (Madeline) Matheson, a sister Dorothy (Jack) Petersen, son-in-law James Pappa and two nephews. In lieu of flowers, please keep the family in your prayers. Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Sunday, 11/13, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A service is scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:00 pm.