Obituary of David Owen Matthews

David Owen Matthews David, 68, of Erie Pennsylvania passed away while vacationing in Key Largo on February 29th, 2016. He was born on August 27, 1947 to Estel and Suzanne Matthews of Geneva, Ohio. David graduated from Edgewood High School, then Kent State University, and continued his education at Springfield College and Credit Training at Mellon Bank. Early in his career, David was a YMCA director in Ashtabula, Northfield Ohio, and later in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. David remained a staunch supporter of the YMCA, its principles, and programs throughout his life. David Matthews began his career at PNC Bank in 1987, and served in roles of increasing responsibilities throughout his tenure. David’s last role at PNC was as a Senior Credit Executive. He was respected and highly regarded throughout the community for his generosity, sincerity and high integrity. In 2012, he was inducted into PNC’s Quarter Century Club in recognition of twenty five years of service and retired in 2014. After relocating to Erie, for his PNC role, David renewed his passion for the YMCA by serving on the Metropolitan Board of Directors from 1996 to the present. He joined the YMCA Board of Trustees in 2006 and served as Trustee Chairman until 2009. In addition, David held the Financial Development Chairman role and served on the planning committee for the YMCA Camp Fitch Christian Leadership Conference. David’s community support was far reaching. He served as an elder, liturgist, and President of Trustees at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. He was a member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, the Erie Philharmonic Board of Governors and Board of Directors. David was also a Board member of the Erie Sewer Authority, Erie Day School, and a Hamot Corporator. In his free time, David was a member of the Jefferson Society and of Rising Sun Lodge Number 22, F&AM of Ashtabula, Ohio and bodies of York Rite Masonry. He enjoyed water coloring, traveling, hiking, and racing his prized BMW. Additionally, David was an active member of both Lake Shore Country Club and the Erie Club. David is survived by his parents (Estel and Suzanne) his wife Margaret of 50 years, sons: Brian (Cecilia) and Bradley (Alison), sisters: Pamela Whelan, Kim Vogel, Vicky Waller (George), grandchildren: Paige, Blake, Nicolas, Owen, Gabe, and several nieces and a nephew. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, Pennsylvania at 11:15am on March 19th, with the family receiving visitors from 9:30-11am in the chapel, and Masonic services at 9:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to “The YMCA of Greater Erie - David Matthews Memorial Fund” - YMCA, 31 West Tenth Street, Erie, PA 16501 or online at ymcaerie.org/donate and select “The YMCA of Greater Erie.”