Patrick Worth Matthews

Patrick Matthews of Miami, Florida was called home on August 17, 2023 at the age of 88. Pat was born February 27, 1935 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in a theatrical family where his father was an aerialist (acrobat) in the Gentry Brothers Traveling Circus, and his mother was a singer with the company. During the winters the family would stay in Winston-Salem where they had a sign painting business. He grew up on his family farm where all his neighbors were aunts, uncles and cousins.

Pat began singing in the boys choir at the age of 8 and was active in the Mineral Springs High School Oratorio Society. Upon graduation from Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, NC where he majored in music and voice, he took a job over the phone, which brought him to Edison Jr. High School in Miami. Pat was a highly regarded choral director in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over 35 years. He also was a private voice instructor at Miami-Dade College and Barry University.

Pat was an educator who wanted to influence young people to have a better life through music. His impact is immeasurable in the number of lives he has touched in and out of the classroom, choir rooms, synagogues and at community events. He was kind, empathetic, sensitive, and warm with a quick wit and sly sarcasm. He was a devoted musician and artist who sought to bring out the best personal performance in each singer including himself.

Pat had a love for dramatic roles as well as singing. He played in Musical Summer Stock in North Carolina for 13 summers appearing in over 24 performances including “The Horn of the South” which is still running today. He was also a resident actor in Theater Under the Stars in Atlanta. He participated in the Miami Music Theater, spent two summers at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, sung in Opera Guild productions of Carmen, La Boheme and others, and was a featured solo artist at Miami-Dade County Auditorium. He performed with the University of Miami Symphony, and with the Miami Philharmonic at Marine Stadium (1966), performing the music of Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein, which showed off his warm style and vocal talents. Nassau bound passengers aboard the cruise ship SS Florida enjoyed his rich baritone voice every evening. His favorite role was that of Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha.” In his own life, Pat embraced the idealistic archetype of the main character embodying everything that is gentle, forlorn, pure, unselfish and gallant. Pat was always a knight in shining armor even if he was wearing a leisure suit or tuxedo.

Pat received his Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Miami in 1970. He continued learning throughout his career receiving dozens of endorsements in conducting, keyboard, vocal coaching, music composition, production and more, and completed a comparative study at Cambridge University in England vs US Music & Art Education.

In 1993 Pat retired from Miami-Dade County Public Schools after many years as the director of the acclaimed “Killian Singers” at Killian High School. His retirement was short lived when he was called back into the classroom to lead the Choral Department at New World School of the Arts High School.

Pat had a passion for sacred music. He spent many weekday evenings and weekends in a church or a synagogue leading the choirs or congregation in their rehearsals and worship services. He directed music at Plymouth Congregational and Miami Beach Community Church. He served as cantor at Temple Judea and Temple Beth El in Hollywood, and led the choir at Temple Israel of Greater Miami, where he impressed the rabbis with his mastery of the pronunciation of the language, even though he did not speak Hebrew.

He created a second home at Christ the King Lutheran Church (CTK) where he served as the Director of Music for nearly 40 years. He directed extravagant Christmas Cantatas joining his choir with orchestras. He hosted the most festive tables at Octoberfest and Christmas parties. He hung a Moravian star from his hometown above the sanctuary each Advent season. He worked as “security” at the jewelry table for the annual white elephant sale. He helped, gave, and supported whenever needed, and often did things without being asked and without any expectation of being repaid. His legacy will live on as the founder of the “Music Inside Out” concert series. Each spring, CTK sponsors free Sunday afternoon concerts for the community continuing Pat’s intention of bettering the lives of others through music. He made everything better, more beautiful wherever he went, and shared that beauty with everyone around him.

Pat had throngs of fans, friends and family. His circle widened in his later years when he was united with his daughter, Maria, and soon after came his grandson, Christian Patrick. His newfound family brought so much joy, not only to his life, but to everyone who witnessed the beautiful connection they shared. He took on a new moniker of “Poppy Pat,” and they became integral parts of each other’s lives.

Pat held high regard for his automobiles and always had at least two. He adored his dogs and cats. Enjoyed fine art, decorating, setting a beautiful table, cooking, Crown Royal Manhattans and hosting parties. But most of all just having fun and was always the life of the party! His positive attitude and outlook carried him well through challenges he faced. His love endures.

Pat was preceded in death by his father Riley, sister Marilyn, brother Riley Kingston, and mother, Maude Edna Hauser (who lived to the age of 104). He is survived by his daughter Maria Murawka, grandson Christian Patrick Griffin and “Big Daddy Casey” (as he called him), his loving cousin, Debbie “the lawyer” Matthews, and all his cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on October 7th, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11295 SW 57 Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be given to Christ the King Lutheran Church (memo: Music Inside Out), or to Molly’s Kittens, 358 NE 100th ST Miami Shores, FL 33138