Carmen F. Matthias
Age 78 | Manchester Township, NJ
Carmen F. Matthias, 78, of Manchester Township, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Jersey City and raised in North Bergen, NJ, Carmen moved to the Jersey Shore at the age of 33 before settling in Manchester Township. He was a well- liked, respected and hardworking sales representative in the food industry for over 45 years. Carmen’s dedication, and passion for his work left a lasting impression on his colleagues.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, his son, Robert Matthias, and his three daughters, Deborah Melendez, Tammy Matthias, and Cindy Aldrich. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Johnny, Justin, Michael, and Ryan LaRose; Samantha and RJ Matthias; and Lexi Aldrich, who shared a special bond with her grandfather and was the apple of his eye. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Kadance and Nathan. Stepson, Darren Nicholas, Spouse Christine, and their 2 daughters Lauren Hornak, Husband Nicholas Hornak, Giana Nicholas and great grandchildren, Nicholas and Bella.
A memorial service to celebrate Carmen’s life will be held on November 15, 2024, from 5-7 PM at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave. Lakehurst, NJ.
Carmen will be remembered for his friendly and outgoing personality, humor, diligent work ethic, dedication to help and support others, and his down to earth nature. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace.
my deepest sympathy for the family of
Carmen Matthias my thoughts and prayers are with you
i didn’t find out til late in life that Carmen was a half brother my father never new he had a son he died the weekend he got the message i’m sure our father would have loved to meet Carmen, Walter Matthias a proud United States MARINE may Carmen rest in peace
and i know he is in heaven with his father
Linda,
This is beautiful! Him being in Heaven with his father is a beautiful thing 🤍
Pa, no one will ever love me the way you always did, and I’ll never love someone the way I love you. Thank you for being my biggest supporter in everything, a second dad to me, and for finding a special place in my heart. That spot belongs to you forever. I’m going to make you proud…you with every piece of me. Now go party it up in heaven; I’m sure God heard your potty mouth coming from miles away!!
❤️
My deepest condolences.
❤️
Dear Family and Friends of Uncle Skippy,
I am writing this letter with a heavy heart, filled with sorrow for the loss of our beloved Uncle Skippy. He was truly a remarkable person, and his kindness and generosity will forever be etched in my memories.
Uncle Skippy was more than just an uncle to me; he was a pillar of strength and love in our family. When my parents divorced, he opened his home to my father, Buddy (George Bodamer), and gave him a place to belong. I will always be grateful for the care and compassion he showed during that difficult time.
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Skippy. I remember helping Darren fix up the yard when they moved to Barnegat. It was a small effort, but it was one of those moments that showed how much Uncle Skippy cared about making a home and creating a welcoming environment. He was always working hard as a food space seller, providing for those around him and building connections with the stores in the area. His work ethic and dedication were inspiring.
Though I never had the chance to meet my grandmother, I know she took Uncle Skippy in as a foster child and raised him alongside my father. This story always touched my heart, as it showed the deep bonds of love and family that defined his life. When my grandfather sold his house in Lakewood, it was Uncle Skippy who took him in and gave him a place to call home. I want to thank him for that—for his unwavering commitment to family, for always being there when someone needed him.
Some of my happiest memories are of the times my father Buddy, Uncle Skippy, and Uncle Kenny would get together. Their laughter and camaraderie were infectious. They had a way of turning even the simplest moments into joyous occasions. It’s these moments of love and joy that I will carry with me forever.
I’ll never forget how, when I was stationed in Germany with the Army, Uncle Skippy would always ask me about the prices of beef and groceries there. It was such a simple thing, but it showed his genuine curiosity and his ability to connect with people in his own special way.
Uncle Skippy, thank you for taking care of my grandfather and my father all those years. Thank you for the laughter, the love, and the countless memories. You were a wonderful uncle and an even better person. I hope you are now resting in peace, surrounded by the love and gratitude of all those whose lives you touched.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Brian Bodamer