It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, and grandfather, Dr. William “Bill” Wayne Mathews of Norfolk, VA, on May 9, 2024 at the age of 73. Bill was born in Norwich, CT, the son of William Mathews and Virginia (Mathews) Berghinzo (nee Hamlin).

Bill grew up in Old Saybrook, CT surrounded by the loving Hamlin family. He graduated from Old Saybrook High School in 1969 and after one year of college, was drafted into the U.S. Army. Bill served in the Army for two years and completed a tour in Korea. After fulfilling his tour of duty, Bill left the Army to attend Arizona State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Botany.

With his degree in hand, Bill moved back to the east coast and took a research position the University of Delaware, working on a project aimed at cultivating oysters in land-locked states.

Bill joined the U.S. Navy in 1980 and went to Officer Training School in Newport, RI, where he would meet his future wife, and fellow naval officer, Jill Ann Leff. The two would be stationed in Norfolk, VA, Newport, RI, Great Lakes, MI and New Orleans, LA, and go on to have three daughters, Jessica, Lydia, and Dana.

After the Navy, Bill attended the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago and became a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Bill would go on to own several practices, many with wife, and fellow Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, Dr. Erin Green Mathews. Bill and Erin would welcome Spencer and Bryn, completing the Mathews Kid 5.

Later in life, Bill became a teacher and professor at several Hampton Roads universities and in the Norfolk Public School system. He was beloved by all his students for his humor and light-heartedness.

Above all accomplishments in life, Bill took pride in and valued being a father. There was never a game, or practice missed, never a school play or ceremony unattended, never a big life moment uncelebrated. Bill put his humor, his quick wit, his intelligence and so much more into his children, who carry those values forward into our own lives.

Bill had a passion for art and expressed that in ways that became intrinsically linked to who he was. First, through a love of film. He became the collector and storyteller of thousands of VHS tapes, carefully curating his collection and making suggestions to friends and family. The second was through cake decorating. Bill put his love of art and his children into one and created unique and special cakes for each and every birthday. Last was his love of painting oil on canvas. Bill shared history through art and shared an often-unopened side of himself through his impressionist-inspired personal works.

Whether it was crabbing in East Beach, talking about the Yankees or Giants, making jokes to every cashier and waiter, Bill knew how not to take life too seriously, and left a legacy of humor, and family commitment for the next generations of his family.

Bill is survived by his children, Jessica Mathews, Lydia Sullivan (John), Dana Harris (Jack), Spencer Mathews, and Bryn Mathews. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Mia Sullivan and Cole Harris.

In lieu of flowers donations are being collected for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia due to his commitment to youth sports.

A celebration of life will be held in Norfolk, VA on Monday, May 13 from 6:00-8:00 PM. If you would like to attend, please contact a member of the family for location information.

We lend our thoughts to those affected by the loss of our father. As we celebrate Bill’s life, we deeply mourn his departure. His wit, wisdom, and dedication to his family will be dearly missed, and his legacy will live on with those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

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