Thomas A. "Tommy" Matthews

Inventor, innovator, expert craftsman, Forged in Fire Champion, loving husband, son, father, brother, some of the adjectives used to describe Thomas Arthur Matthews. Tommy succumbed to the ravaging effects of a two-year battle with cancer on Sunday, November 6, 2022, in the comfort, and peace of his family and home.

Tommy was born to Joann Guzzetta Babela, and the late Thomas Allan Matthews on July 7, 1970, in Steubenville, OH. He was 52 years old.

Tommy leaves his soul mate of over four years, wife Nicole “Nikki” Moore Mathews, his stepchildren, Hayden, and Kendall Six, his stepfather, Paul Babela, his stepmother, Kathryn Matthews, his in-laws, Richard and Cheryl Moore, his loving and devoted sister, Tiffany (Kirk) Grant of Los Angeles, CA., his brother-in-law Kevin (Kristen) Moore and their daughter, Hannah Moore of Columbus, OH., and his four-legged babies, Piper, and Dasher. Also, Tommy is survived by his uncles, Joe (Mary Ann) Guzzetta, Matthew (Elaine) Guzzetta, and James (Charlene) Guzzeta as well as numerous cousins and friends.

In addition to his father, his paternal grandparents, Arthur (Bud), and Kathryn Matthews, maternal grandparents, Matthew, and Alberta Guzzetta, and many aunts, and uncles on his father’s side preceded him in death.

Tommy was an amazing, talented, and loving man. If he was your friend, he was your friend for life. Tommy was an accomplished drummer and played in many bands but was best known for “Inbred Jed.” Tommy was a professional photographer and a published author. There was nothing Tommy couldn’t do. He was a true Renaissance Man! Of all his accomplishments, he was best known for his title, “Forged in Fire Champion.” Tommy was a Master Blade Smith and the owner and operator of “Crooked River Forge” where he hand-made one-of-a-kind knives.

Tommy proudly served his country in B Company, Fifth Battalion, Fifth Cavalry of the US Army in operation Desert Storm. Also, he was a Sergeant in Company E 1st Battalion 110th Infantry of the Army National Guard. He was a life member of VFW Post 6450 in Chester.

Tommy’s family and friends will celebrate his life with a memorial service at the Chester VFW on Saturday, November 12. The National Guard Honor Guard and VFW Post 6450 Honor Guard will accord full military honors at 1:00 p.m. with food and fellowship to follow.

A special thank you is extended to Valley Hospice and Pittsburgh VA Hospital for their compassionate care during this difficult time.

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