Thano Nestor "Don" Matthews

Thano Nestor “Don” Matthews (1930–2026) passed away peacefully in hospice care on February 10, 2026, at age 95.

He met life with steady hands, a quick wit, and a generous heart, and he carried those qualities with him to the very end.

Born in Newark,  New Jersey to Nestor and Dimitro Matthews, immigrants from Varvitsa Greece, Don grew up valuing family, hard work, and humility. At West Side High School, he ran the 440-yard dash and hurdles on the track team, a hint of the quiet determination that would define him. He later earned a degree in electrical engineering from Tri-State College (now Trine University) in Indiana, served as a radio repairman in the United States Marine Corps, and built a 35-year career with RCA in Somerville, New Jersey.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Chrysanthe. Together they raised four sons in Hillsborough, New Jersey, where Don became a much-loved neighborhood dad, always ready with a tool, a ride, or a “dad joke” delivered with perfect timing. Ever
the engineer, he excelled at devising the most quirky household fixes from whatever lay nearby—yardsticks, tennis balls, even plastic milk jugs sliced in half—solutions that somehow always worked. In retirement, they moved to Cary, North Carolina.

Don adored his family and extended family and followed their lives with joy. He loved watching college football and, in his final years, surprised everyone by becoming a self-described Swiftie.

He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Chrysanthe; his sons William (Cynthia), Michael (Lorraine), Nestor, and Nicholas (Rezah); and a large, loving circle ofgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His steady presence, self-effacing humor, and enduring kindness will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

Visiting hours will be held at 10am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Rd, Westfield, NJ 07090. A funeral service will be at the church at 11am. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ 07090.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Greek Children’s Fund or to Hospice / Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, NC.