| Date of Birth | May 1, 1951 |
| Date Deceased | May 24, 2023 |
| Hometown | Hammondsport |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | May 27, 2023 |
| Service Time | 11 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Gabriel's Church, Hammondsport |
| Interment Location | Holy Cross Cemetery, Buffalo |
Robert Raymond “Herbie” Matthewson
HAMMONDSPORT – Robert Raymond “Herbie” Matthewson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2023, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was born on May 1st, 1951, in Lackawanna, NY, to Norene Keine and Herbert Anthony Matthewson.
Proudly educated at Bishop Timon High School and Canisius College, Herbie possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His intellect and passion for acquiring both useful and trivial information rendered him an indomitable force in any room, often allowing him to outshine all living room challengers in his nightly viewing of Jeopardy.
Herbie, a distinguished figure in his community, was a longstanding member and former president of the Hammondsport Rotary. He exemplified the Rotary’s values through his service and commitment. His devotion was honored with the esteemed Paul Harris Award, a testament to his many contributions. Herbie’s faith was also an integral part of his life. As a lifelong devout Catholic, he actively participated at St. Gabriel’s church in Hammondsport, finding solace and strength in his community.
In addition to his community involvements, Herbie had a thirty-year career with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, administering road tests throughout the region.
Herbie’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments, touching the lives of those he held dear. He leaves behind his beloved wife of forty-four years, JoAnn Matthewson. Herbie will be deeply missed by his children, Kristopher A. (Caitlin) Matthewson, Mary (Mickael) Rabilloud, and Robert K. (Samantha) Matthewson. The light of Herbie’s life also includes his cherished grandchildren, Eleanor and Evelyn Matthewson, and Remy and Emmeline Rabilloud.
He is also survived by his brother, David (Gloria) Matthewson, brothers-in-law William (Genave) Allein and Richard (Karen) Allein, sisters-in-law Mary (Jim) Barnum and Susan Green, and several beloved nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Herbie.”
Additionally, Herbie is survived by his faithful canine companion, Parker, who provided unconditional love and friendship throughout his journey.
In honor of Herbie’s memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Center, an institution committed to fighting the disease that touched Herbie’s life.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 26th from 4pm to 7pm at Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 35 Main St., Hammondsport. A mass to celebrate Herbie’s life will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church in Hammondsport on Saturday, May 27th at 11am. Interment and graveside service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Buffalo on Tuesday, May 30th at 11am.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Herbie’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Herbie are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home..
Thi is so sad, Herbie was a great person that many knew for years. I had the great pleasure of working with him as he was a Cub Scout leader for a few years back when Bobby was in Scouts. Herbie will be greatly missed by all his family and friends for sure. Remember the good times and the laughs he shared with each of you.
He will never be away from you as he will live in your hearts and memories but he will visit you as that rainbow in the sky or the bright twinkling star at night, or that cardnial that comes to sing to you but maybe that soft breeze on your cheek if not that butterfly that comes by. He will always be with each of you in his way of telling you he still is there watching and taking care of you each.
Joanne and family. I am so sorry to hear of Herbie’s passing. I adored him. Loved being a neighbor and fellow Rotarian. He was such an interesting and dedicated man. May he rest in peace. Bernie Ryan
Joanne, Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss. Herbie sounds like he was a wonderful man. He is now at peace and free of pain. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏❤️🙏
RIP Herbie, A life long friend of mine. We grew up on Tuscarora had many great memories. My condolences to your family and friends.
Joanne, Kris, Mary, Bob and your extended family,
I want to extend my condolences and sympathy on Herbie’s death. It’s very sad to know he’s gone.
Herbie and I met in the late ‘60s, probably on Abbott Rd., and for several years we and others spent many nights socializing, talking about serious and silly things, and having a good time. He was a great raconteur. Given he slightest opening he’d fill it with the beginning of a story, “My great, great grandfather fought at Bull Run…,” or “I just finished this book about…” and he was off. Whether it was believable or not you knew you were in for a ride. Years later our meetings were far between but whenever we met he was still telling stories supplemented now with news of his children. He was a very proud father.
I can imagine Herbie’s spirit hovering over the reception at DiPaolo’s, taking it all in, and muttering into his glass “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do boys.”
RIP Herbie
Mary Rabilloud—
My deepest sympathies to the entire Matthewson Family:
JoAnn Matthewson;
Bobby Matthewson;
Dave Matthewson;
Caitlin Matthewson:
et al. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
I am so very sorry that Herbie went through so very much and for your loss of him. I miss seeing him around the village and our chats, as he caught me up on you all. I fondly recall the days of my village life, when our children hung out together. Also the surprise of recognizing him as the man who gave me my road test in Lockport when I was 18!
I pray that you each feel God’s presence through this. That you know His love for you.