KNOX — William “Bill” Matthews Jr., a Vietnam veteran and retired postal worker, helped his sons build their dreams.

He died at home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, with his loving family at his side. He was 75 years old.

Born in Troy on Sept. 25, 1947 to the late William Matthews Sr. and late Loretta (née Lenway), he graduated from Albany High School in 1966. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army for three years, which included a tour in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for the U.S. Post Office until his retirement in 2002.

“Bill and his wife, Leslie (née Raczynski), moved from Albany to Knox in 1976,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He remodeled the interior of their home several times and after retirement built a three-story addition.

“Bill loved to walk the roads and parks of Knox and was recognized by many local residents. He passed on his artistic and construction skills to his two sons. His sons and grandson, Jackson, inherited his love of music and Jackson could be heard whistling and singing along with the tunes.

“Watching old films of ‘The Three Stooges’ was something he enjoyed doing with his grandson during their weekly visits. Bill let his boys be boys and he let them dream big — then he encouraged them by building their dreams for them: a skateboard ramp, a tree house, a band room so they could expand their musical talents.”

****

William Matthews Jr. is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leslie; by their sons, David Matthews and his partner, Melissa Scheffer, and Jason Matthews and his partner, Amanda Liddle; and by his grandson, Jackson Matthews.

He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Rockenstire, and her husband, Raymond; by his nephew, Lou Wilkenson (Kristen) and nieces Marie Tomek (Brian) and April Murphy (Earl) as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces and several half-siblings.

His half-sisters, Mary Dodge and Betty O’Clair, died before him.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. where there will be a celebration of life at 5:30 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. The interment will be a private ceremony at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

“The family would like to thank the Community Hospice of Albany for their support of Bill and family,” the tribute said.

Memorial contributions may be made to them at Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.