William Mathias Obituary

Mathias, William Robert Our hero, the ultimate fighter with the heart of gold, William Robert Mathias, 90, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL peacefully passed away on November 1, 2010. He was born May 5, 1920 in Scranton-Wilkesbarre, PA. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret "Peg", nee Lamb; his loving children, James Robert (Mary) Mathias, Donna (Curt) Sherman, David (Linda) Mathias, Jodi Mathias, Margaret (John) Culkeen; his wonderful grandchildren who knew him as their "Poppy" and "Grandpa", Tim, Colleen, Courtney, Sean, Heather, Jenny, Brion, Matthew, Morgan, Jillian, Alyssa, Johnny, Kevin; and his special great-grandchildren, Kaleigh, Cortney, Caley, Cole and Christopher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Mathias, and his sister, Shirley Manzone. Bill graduated from Penn State University and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WW II (1942-1945), achieving the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade. He served aboard the USS William D. Porter, a destroyer in the Pacific Theatre. He began his career at Battelle and retired from Zenith after 27 years of dedicated service. Visitation will be Thursday, November 4, 10:00 AM until the time of the Celebration of Bill's life begins at 12:00 Noon at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, Naperville. Interment with full military honors will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. For those who prefer, memorials to the World War II Memorial Society at www.wwiimemorial.com Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540 Info: 630/355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com