Craig A. Matthews

November 20, 1954 - April 26, 2017

Matthews, Craig A., 62, of St. Anne's Hill neighborhood in Dayton, OH, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017. He was born on November 20, 1954 in Franklin, OH to Siebert and Lois Matthews. He married fellow St. Anne's Hill resident Amy Lopez, of Dayton, on September 22, 2007 and they continued to make the neighborhood their home - and a home for the many officially and unofficially adopted cats, among friends and beloved neighbors. Craig is survived by his wife, Amy, his sisters Cynthia (Dan) Schaefer of Centerville, OH and his nephews Tyler and Noah Thacker, and Elaine Matthews of Johnson City, TN, his mother-in-law Bonnie Lopez of Englewood, brother-in-law Michael (Linda) Lopez of Kettering and their children Alexa and Max, brother-in-law Joseph (Mara) Lopez of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and their children Gabe, Parry, and Kara, brother-in-law Matthew Lopez of Chicago, and sister-in-law Anita (Jack) Robinson of Bellbrook and their children Blake, Clint, Dylan, and Sofia. Craig served in the Army from 1974-1977 and he was a graduate of the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, later serving in Thailand and the Philippines. Craig received a bachelor's degree in Business from Wright State University and he had a lifelong love of history, historical architecture, and classical music. Truly, Craig never met a stranger. His wonderful spirit and warm smile impacted so many neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family.  Visitation is on Monday, May 1 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, May 2 at 10:00 am at the University of Dayton Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. A private ceremony at Woodland Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Franklin Area Historical Society, 302 Park Avenue, Franklin, OH 45005-3549, or to the veterans organization of your choice.