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MATHEWS CLEMENT RUSSELL Peacefully on Sunday, November 22, 2015, surrounded by loving family. Russ was born in Cecil, PA to Clement Achille and Alice (Smith) Mathews on December 20, 1934, and is survived by his wife, Lula, of Pittsburgh; his two children, Patricia (Anthony) Bessios, of Pittsburgh, and Russel (Gigi) Mathews, of Arlington Heights, IL; his grandchildren, Russell Achille and Ginger Scarlet Mathews of Arlington Heights, IL; his sister, Ardis (Jim) Mock, of Pittsburgh; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Russ firmly believed in Duty, Honor, and Country, as was instilled in him at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in civil engineering, and he went directly on to serve in the United States Air Force, stationed in Shreveport, LA. Russ worked hard at Ft. Pitt Bridge and Iron, and had a rewarding career in the position of Executive Vice President/General Manager at Levinson Steel, General Steel, Mosher Steel, Trinity Industries, and Kelley Steel Erectors, Inc. His prolific work in steel fabrication and erection led him to work on many high profile and complex projects including: Fifth Avenue Place (PGH), the World Trade Center (NYC), and the Chicago O'Hare Airport, the Menil Museum (Ft. Worth, Texas), the Cleveland Clinic, and the Cleveland Museum of Art's most recent addition. Russ also dedicated time and effort in the American Institute of Steel Contractors (AISC), serving as President of the Texas Chapter, and kept working professionally until the age of 77, when he reluctantly retired in his beloved Pittsburgh. As a loving father, husband, friend, and trusted colleague, Russ influenced many with his beautiful smile that warmed the room, dedication and belief in hard work, and desire to overachieve. He spent his free time in the garden, and his green thumb sprouted and nurtured a dazzling array of flowers and vegetables. His favorites were the beautiful daylilies and roses, which like him, were not around forever, but long enough for his friends and family to admire and savor. As an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he soulfully rallied, Terrible Towel in hand, behind the Steelers wherever his career took him through Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and even Cleveland. In most recent years, Russ kept in close contact with his Class of '52 Cecil High School classmates, and fellow '56 VMI Rats, and relished in revisiting the past, and creating new memories. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211 Monday 2-4, 6-9 p.m. Trisagion service Monday 7 p.m. A blessing will be held in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Gardens Cemetery, Tuesday 11 a.m. 3739 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh or a charity of one's choice. Please view or add tributes at: www.beinhauer.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
