William J. Mathews

William J. Mathews, 77, of Reading, passed away at home April 5, 2011, of complications from cancer.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late John F. Mathews, Sr., and Margaret (Nagle)Mathews.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife Ruth (Fister) Mathews, brothers; Rev. Dr. Vincent D. Mathews, emeritus professor of Trinity College, W.D.C., Thomas, labor and industry analyst, and his wife Florence of Auburn, Sr. Miriam Margaret, IHM (Anastasia), and very close Sr. Patricia Wolfe, IHM, both of Philadelphia. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews as well as many grand nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by two sisters Mary Pietrowicz and Bernice DeAugustino and his brother John, Jr., whose wonderful wife Fern also survives.

A graduate of Reading Evening High School and Kutztown State College, Bill also attended the University of Pennsylvania before teaching at Pottstown Senior High School (1960-1964).

Bill remembered fondly (as the Brits say) all his good innings: Heck & Koch Restaurant, riding shotgun for Tommy the Cacoosing milkman, working and learning under Big Ed Armstrong "used cars," Gerald Hutchinson and later Anthony "Nails" Maggiaro's Atlantic Gas Station, wily & nimble Al (Sy) Groff, colorful Reading Glazed Paper, Firestone Tire & Rubber with best friend Jim Cranos. Bill took leave from Firestone to enlist in the Army Security Agency (1953-56)) later returning to Firestone, with Jim Cranos then going on to Penn State.

In Fall, 1956, Jim talked Bill into going to Kutztown State with the youthful argument that "If we could drink until 11 AM, you can go to Kutztown and still work the midnight shift at Firestone." (This was a regimen Bill never recommended to anyone else). Bill did and earned his bachelor's degree in 1960 and began teaching college prep. English at Pottstown High School, under the guidance of department head Ms. Miriam Ludwig, a truly great educator.

Bill often called these three years at Pottstown High his most enjoyable work, with good colleagues and great students. Invited to lecture at Penn State to the association of state English teachers, Bill was soon teaching evening classes in Penn States' extension program.

His industrial work and educational experiences led to his recruitment as an education director (1964-69) for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU), where he worked with Ruth Fister, his future wife. With Ruth he wrote books and training manuals on grievance procedure, and policy guides on contracts, economics, and politics. Bill also taught courses statewide as well as in New York and New England.

Bill left the ILG in 1969 to spend a year in the Redevelopment Authority of the Victor R. H. Yarnell Administration under Marty Bookbinder, prominent businessman and then chairman.

Bill was then employed by Fortune 500 Macmillan, Inc., (1970-1981) and assigned as production manager of newly acquired Uniforms by Ostwald and, shortly thereafter, C.E. Ward Graduation Caps & Gowns & Lodge Regalia. Bill was V. P. for Operations for the division Macmillan Ward Ostwald, INC., until many subsidiaries acquired in the 1960s were divested following a hostile take-over by the Mellon Group. Bill served as president of Uniforms by Ostwald during that divestiture.

After several years writing training manuals and providing consulting services, Bill and former Macmillan, Inc., colleagues acquired Logical Computer Selections in New York City. Upon Ruth's retirement from Empire State College (SUNY) in 1991, he also began working with and investing locally. Bill later worked for a brief time as office manager for the Schuylkill River Greenway Association before becoming a committed volunteer to Meals on Wheels, United Community Services "Helping Hands Food Pantry," and St. Peter Elementary School.

Politics and Democratic Reform: Bill Mathews admired Ed Taggert's recent book on the rackets on Reading, largely because in the 1960s Bill was a bit player in that drama. First came a rump Democratic group of school teachers, labor leaders, and college professors who talked a WWII vet with the improbable name Victor R. H. Yarnell into running for state representative in the lower end of Reading. Victor wasn't a U.S. Army vet but rather a brave Canadian serving in the British Army who took part in both the Dunkirk evacuation and the Normandy invasion, then serving well into post-war occupation duties. Bill worked Reading's old Third Ward and was more than pleased when South 9th Street residents said they would vote for Victor Yarnell.

Out of this rump group was founded the Berks Independent Democrats (BID), promptly rechristened the Bed-Bugs by the leader of the regular Democrats, Jerry Kobrin. Bill was a founding member of BID and chosen its first Vice President. Early successful BID candidates were R. David Chelius, Tony Carabello, William "Boo-Boo" Leonard-jack, (City Council) and, of course, Victor R.H. Yarnell as Mayor.

Bill gifted his body to science that it might uncover any scientific explanations for his eratic behavior.

A memorial service is planned with details yet to be announced. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Bill's memory can be made to any of the following: St. Peter's Elementary School; Humane Society of Berks County or the Berks County Animal Shelter.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.