Ronald A. Matthews

Ronald "Ronnie" Matthews, 86, of Middleboro, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on Tuesday, November 1, 1938, in Wareham, Ronnie lived a life full of love, laughter, and deep-rooted values. A proud United States Marine Veteran and devoted member of the VFW, he was best known in the community as "The Marine that stands at Hannaford's," where he proudly sold poppies in honor of fellow veterans. Ronnie worked for the Town of Lakeville Highway Department for 29 years until his retirement in 2001.

Ronnie had a passion for dancing, karaoke, bingo, and working on his beloved stamp collection. He was also an avid gambler who loved visiting casinos and trying his luck. He was always the first to pull someone onto the dance floor, and his energy and charm were infectious. What started as a love for cribbage blossomed into a treasured tradition of family game nights-filled with spirited competition, laughter, and unforgettable memories shared across generations.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Matthews; daughters Janel Souza and her husband Kenneth, Sonya Tufts and her husband Kelly, and Rhonda McKay and her husband Victor; grandchildren Corey Tufts and his wife Anita, Kyle Tufts, Nathan McKay, Hannah McKay, and step-grandson Jeremy McKay; great-grandson Kayne Tufts and step-great-grandson Colton DeSilva. He also leaves behind his sister Pearl Barrows, beloved aunt Rose Nunes, and many nieces and nephews.

Ronnie was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Emma Matthews; sister Patricia Monteiro; and brothers Louis, Lawrence, and Ernest Jr. Matthews.

Ronnie's pride in his service, his joy for life, and the love he shared with his family and friends will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. His legacy of laughter, games, music, and dance lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. "Semper Fi"

Visiting hours for Ronnie will be held on Monday, June 16th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA 02347.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 17th at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 82 High Street, Wareham, MA 02571.

Burial with military honors will follow at The Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542.

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