Mathew

Andrew J. Mathew Jr., 80, of Zelienople, died peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his family.

Born July 21, 1928, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Andrew J. & Anna (Hruza) Mathew.

As a second generation jeweler, Mr. Mathew owned and operated Mathew Jewelers on Main Street in Zelienople from 1956 until his retirement in the 1990s when the third generation of his family — Drew, Philip and Michelle — became owners. While owner, Mr. Mathew oversaw a renovation and expansion of the store and while still focusing on fine jewelry, he expanded into the fine china and giftware market. In more recent years, Mathew Jewelers added its own manufacturing business and has opened a second location in Cranberry Township.

Mr. Mathew was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the 1st Calvary Division. He was a member of Zelienople American Legion Post 474, the Lionsville VFW, and Cranberry Elks Lodge 2249. He was also a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church and a life member of the Zelienople Historical Society. In addition, Mr. Mathew was a charter member of the Zelienople Lions Club and the Zelienople Community Park Association. He served on the board of directors for the Zelienople Chamber of Commerce and Business Association.

Mr. Mathew enjoyed winters in Florida and especially spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marlea Mathew; four children, Andrew J. "Drew" Mathew III and his wife, Mary Alice, of Zelienople, Denise Foster and her husband, Gerry, of Prospect, Philip Mathew and his wife, Lisa, of Cranberry Township, and Michelle "Shelly" Mathew of Zelienople; two step sons, Lonny Ross and his wife, Helen, of Evans City, and Kevin Mack and his wife, Sharilyn, of Evans City. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen (Austin) Mathew, who died in 1985; and by a sister, Josephine A. Mathew who died in 2001.

<B>MATHEW</B>— Friends of Andrew J. Mathew Jr., who died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today at <B>Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home</B>, 219 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople. (Friends, please meet at the church.)Interment with military honors will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery, Zelienople.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Gregory School, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063; or Special Olympics of Butler County, 138 Alameda Road, Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences and directions are available at www.glennkildoofuneralhome.com.