FARMINGDALE – It is with heavy hearts we share that Robert Stiles Mathews, 75, passed away at his home June 8, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  He was an Irish twin, born on Dec. 26, 1947 in Gardiner, Maine to Dr. Hugh J. Mathews Jr. and Marjorie E. Mathews. 

Bob grew up and lived in the Gardiner area most of his life. He was a graduate of Erskine Academy, earning letters as a three-sport athlete and a 1971 graduate of William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa where he was a member of the golf team. Among other employment, Bob served as an administrator at Gilbert’s Manor, and as a PGA professional at numerous golf courses around the state. He spent several years as head golf professional at Green Meadow Golf Course/Kennebec Heights in Farmingdale and was most recently the assistant pro at Rockland Golf Club. While working as a golf professional, he was most proud of establishing community youth golf programs, his programs encouraging women to play golf, and introducing and teaching his grandchildren to the game of golf. 

Bob was an avid golfer with many accomplishments including 1978 Maine Amateur Champion, 1979 Maine Amateur Runner-Up, 1998 senior NEPGA Player of the Year, 2005 and 2013 NEPGA Maine Chapter Senior Champion. In 2021 Bob was inducted into the Maine Golf Hall of Fame. 

To family and friends Bob was so much more than a golfer. He loved dancing and was always first in the congo line. He was also well known for his and Maureen’s jitterbugging and was a fierce Wii dance competitor with his nieces and grandchildren. Bob filled the winter months developing his cooking skills, with a favorite for everyone- chicken cordon bleu, noodle alfredo, Marge’s stuffing, spaghetti pie, Christmas shrimp cocktail, and full preparation of the Thanksgiving meal. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maureen Hathaway Mathews; his daughter Carolyn Nott and husband Ken and grandchildren, Julia and Duncan Nott; his sister Karen Mathews, brother Hugh and wife Pam all of Florida, and his brother Paul and wife Sharon of Newcastle, Maine, sisters-in-law Jane Kelly (Jim) and Marie Hathaway. He will be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, and many loyal friends. 

The Mathews’ family would like to thank the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care and Maine General Hospice for their outstanding support, care, and compassion.  

Bob was a lifelong member of the Augusta Country Club and was always grateful for the many friends he made throughout his golfing days.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gardiner, Maine followed by a Celebration of Life at the Augusta Country Club. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Golf Scholarship Fund providing golf opportunities and college scholarships to Maine’s youth:

Maine Golf

Scholarship Fund

C/O Donor Name

{optional}

2 Old County Rd. Ext.

Freeport, ME 04032 https://www.mainegolf.org/ourmission/scholarship/

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