Obituary for Charles Forrest Mather
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Charles F. “Chuck” Mather, 89, of Acton died at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton on Monday, October 7, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife Frances E. (Partridge) Mather, and was the beloved partner of Bonnie LaRocca for 43 years.
Born in Lynn on June 30, 1930 to the late Raymond W. and Ida (Bernstein) Mather, he was raised and educated in Lynn and is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. He continued his studies at M.I.T. and then Boston University where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
A resident of Acton for 36 years coming from Boxborough, where he lived for 5 years, and Wilmington, where he lived from 1959 to 1976. Chuck was a lover of all animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church choir. Twenty years ago Chuck was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Sanctuary at St. Matthew’s where he was also the Chairman of the Trustees.
Mr. Mather was active and kept busy with his passion for swimming as well as for aerobics at the Senior Center. He also loved spending time at the family cottage at Lake Winnipesauke. He was a member of Mount Carmel Masonic Lodge in Marblehead for 63 years. He was also a participant in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPPOS) for many years.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie LaRocca; 5 children, Dana Mather and wife Victoria of Florida, Janet York and husband Ray of Haverhill, Dale Mather and wife Julie of Kansas, David Mather of Marlboro, Darin Mather and wife Lori of New Hampshire; 2 stepsons, Paul LaRocca and wife Karen of Florida, Steven LaRocca of Acton; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours are at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton on Tuesday, October 15th from 4:00 to 7:00pm, followed by a Masonic Funeral Service at 7:00pm. His funeral will be conducted by Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes on Wednesday, October 16th at 11:00am in St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton. His ashes will be buried privately at a later date.
The family would like to give a special thanks for all the care and support Chuck received from the staffs at Concord Park Assisted Living, Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and Care Dimensions.
In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s family is requesting donations be made in his memory to St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton, MA 01720 or the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Research Center c/o David M. Nathan, M.D., 50 Staniford St., Suite 340, Boston, MA 02114. Mr. Mather’s funeral arrangements are under the thoughtful guidance of the Acton Funeral Home, Acton, MA, www.actonfuneralhome.com
Charles F. “Chuck” Mather, 89, of Acton died at the Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley in Littleton on Monday, October 7, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife Frances E. (Partridge) Mather, and was the beloved partner of Bonnie LaRocca for 43 years.
Born in Lynn on June 30, 1930 to the late Raymond W. and Ida (Bernstein) Mather, he was raised and educated in Lynn and is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School. He continued his studies at M.I.T. and then Boston University where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
A resident of Acton for 36 years coming from Boxborough, where he lived for 5 years, and Wilmington, where he lived from 1959 to 1976. Chuck was a lover of all animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed singing and was a member of the St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church choir. Twenty years ago Chuck was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Sanctuary at St. Matthew’s where he was also the Chairman of the Trustees.
Mr. Mather was active and kept busy with his passion for swimming as well as for aerobics at the Senior Center. He also loved spending time at the family cottage at Lake Winnipesauke. He was a member of Mount Carmel Masonic Lodge in Marblehead for 63 years. He was also a participant in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPPOS) for many years.
He is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie LaRocca; 5 children, Dana Mather and wife Victoria of Florida, Janet York and husband Ray of Haverhill, Dale Mather and wife Julie of Kansas, David Mather of Marlboro, Darin Mather and wife Lori of New Hampshire; 2 stepsons, Paul LaRocca and wife Karen of Florida, Steven LaRocca of Acton; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours are at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton on Tuesday, October 15th from 4:00 to 7:00pm, followed by a Masonic Funeral Service at 7:00pm. His funeral will be conducted by Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes on Wednesday, October 16th at 11:00am in St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton. His ashes will be buried privately at a later date.
The family would like to give a special thanks for all the care and support Chuck received from the staffs at Concord Park Assisted Living, Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley and Care Dimensions.
In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s family is requesting donations be made in his memory to St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton, MA 01720 or the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Research Center c/o David M. Nathan, M.D., 50 Staniford St., Suite 340, Boston, MA 02114. Mr. Mather’s funeral arrangements are under the thoughtful guidance of the Acton Funeral Home, Acton, MA, www.actonfuneralhome.com