Obituary of William Joseph Matthews

UPDATE - VISITATION AND FUNERAL SERVICE TIMES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

It is with great sadness that the family of William Joseph “Bill” Matthews of Fredericton, NB, announces his passing on March 19, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on his 81st birthday. Beloved husband of more than 56 years of Martina Marie (Stamper) Matthews, Bill was born on March 19, 1944, in Fredericton, and was the cherished son of the late Eliza (Whalen) Matthews.

Bill was a distinguished alumnus of St. Francis Xavier University and Dalhousie University Law School. He proudly served as a dedicated member of the New Brunswick Bar Association for over five decades. Bill began his law career on the Southside before opening his own firm on the Northside where he specialized in corporate and commercial law. A successful entrepreneur and businessman, Bill made significant contributions as a real estate developer, constructing numerous residential and commercial properties, including Main Place in Fredericton North.

Deeply committed to his community, Bill believed it was important to support volunteer organizations, and over the years served as President of the United Way Forever Fund; the Fredericton Rotary Club; the Red Cross (Fredericton branch); and the Chamber of Commerce, from which he received the Distinguished Citizen Award. He was one of the founding members of the Main Street Business Development Association, and actively participated on boards for institutions such as the Fredericton Airport Authority and Theatre New Brunswick.

In addition to his professional and community endeavors, Bill led a very active life and treasured his many friendships. He especially enjoyed travelling, boating, hiking, golfing, and weekly Wednesday night dinners with friends. Bill loved being a grandfather and was excited to share in the lives of his grandkids.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife, Tina; his daughters, Lisa Matthews (Geordie Haley), Leslie Matthews (Carl Berglund), and Amy Butler (Scott); grandchildren, Gem Haley, Nicholas and Matthew Torunski, and Alex and Aidan Butler; sister, Mary Lou Matthews (Ron Pepper); nieces, Jen Pepper and Heather Cleveland; nephews, Patrick and Jeffrey Stamper; sister-in-law, Ann Larade; and many cousins with whom he spent many happy get-togethers.

A Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 3 to 6 pm. A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, NB on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10:30 am. Those wishing to offer remembrances may consider making donations to the United Way Forever Fund, the Chalmers Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of their choice. Personal condolences can be shared at www.yorkfh.com.