Obituaries

Barry Matthews, Sr., 77, born and raised in North Philadelphia, transitioned from this earthly realm to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA. His death resulted in cardiac arrest, leading to brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. On Christmas day of 1947, the son of the late James Matthews and Minnie Whaley Matthews. Barry was a graduate of the Philadelphia School District. He attended Lackawanna Junior College, earning his degree for Associate Science in Human Resources in May 2001.In 2009, he earned his Bachelor of Social Work at Marywood University. Barry was employed by Keystone Residential Services in Behavioral Management, then to Allied Services in maintenance, and finally retiring from Catholic Social Services as an Intake Coordinator. Barry was drafted into the US Army in 1968 were served his country in the Vietnam War earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with 2 overseas bars. Barry was very active with Bethel AME Church since 2000, in Scranton, serving on the Stewart Board and directing the Men’s Choir. Barry was a very outgoing person with a spunky personality. He had a smile that could light up a room and he had knack for making everyone smile and laugh. He was a fashion icon and was known for being a snazzy dresser. Barry loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart and soul. An avid sports fans, he bled green and white through and through for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not one to sit still, Barry was always on the move and enjoyed sporting events, carnivals, and any social gathering. Barry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Surviving are: his children, Angelica Moss, Jamar Matthews, Danielle Matthews Morris in Philadelphia, step daughter Stephanie Teeple in Scranton, Two steps sisters, Kim Matthews and Octavia Ebo, 9 grandchildren and a host of cousin’s, niece’s and nephew’s preceded him in death. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday at noon in the Bethel AME Church, 716 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, with Rev. Darian Banks officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the AMVets Honor Guard. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of the service in the church. Memorial contributions, in Barry’s name, may be made to Bethel AME Church, 716 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Avenue, Scranton.