Abraham Mathew

On May 14, 2017 at 7:30am, M. Abraham Mathew of Edison, NJ passed into the Lord’s hands. Mr. Mathew was a loving husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, a Retired Senior Corrections Officer, an avid gardener and a proud American. He is survived by his loving wife, Leela Mathew; two daughters, Smitha Zaharoff, married to David Zaharoff of Cary, NC, and Sildha Worden, married to Patrick Worden of Clark, NJ; three granddaughters, Stella Zaharoff, Sasha Zaharoff and Sophia Worden, and one grandson, Desmond Zaharoff.

Mr. Mathew was born on January 4, 1949 to the late P.C. and Soonamma Mathew, in Ranni, Kerala, India. He was the fourth of nine children: Pulimootil Toby Mathew of South Plainfield, NJ; Ramani Jacob of Kerala, India; the Late Jacob Mathew; Lila Joseph of Tampa, FL; Sala Nair of Kerala, India; Mathew P. Mathew of Atlanta, GA;  Mariamma John of Colonia, NJ and Anitha Kurian of Greensboro, NC.  

He attended primary school in Tamilnadu, India and college in Palghat, India. As a child growing up, he took great delight in swimming, climbing coconut trees, and chasing and riding donkeys with his brothers. In 1972, he married Leela George, daughter of the late Payyoor P.P. and Alice George. The couple welcomed a daughter, Smitha, in 1975 and a second daughter, Sildha, in 1981.

The Mathew family immigrated to the United States of America beginning in 1983. After a series of odd jobs, Mr. Mathew began his 25-year career as a Corrections Officer with the State of New Jersey in 1986. In retirement, Mr. Mathew took great pleasure in debating politics, traveling internationally and sampling fine cuisine.  He was a man of great pride, honesty and integrity. His generosity, hospitality and willingness to lend a helping hand comprised the essence of who he was. But nothing else compares to the love, joy, and pride he had in his 4 adoring grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A funeral service will be offered on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Rd, Edison, NJ 08820.  Burial will follow in Hazel Wood Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, from 4-8 p.m. at the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Rd, Edison, NJ 08820.