NJAMF Mourns the Passing of former Chair Dan Matthews

NJAMF Mourns the Passing of former Chair Dan Matthews

Daniel P. “Dan” Matthews, the former chair of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF) passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022, in Stuart, Florida. He was 69 years old.

Dan was introduced to the Memorial and NJAMF through his former boss and mentor, Secretary Norm Mineta.  Through that connection and friendship, Dan became interested in the Japanese American story of sacrifice, service, and perseverance.  That led to Dan becoming the Chair of NJAMF.

 NJAMF Chair John Tobe said, “Dan was committed to ensuring that what happened to Secretary Mineta and the other people of Japanese ancestry during World War II must never happen again to any other group, regardless of race, religion or national origin.  Dan inspired us with both his drive and good humor.  He will be greatly missed.”

 NJAMF Chair Emeritus Craig Uchida said, "Dan Matthews had a deep and genuine understanding of the Japanese American experience during WWII. He carried that compassion with him as Chair of the Foundation and sought to educate all Americans about the Memorial. He was a large, gentle, and caring man who loved motorcycles and a good laugh. I will miss him." 

NJAMF Chair Emeritus and JACL National President Larry Oda added, " Dan Matthews was the Foundation’s chair when I first joined. He had an impressive grasp of the Japanese American experience and was able to communicate it in a personal and effective manner. I personally enjoyed Dan’s meetings because he was also an entertainer. We completed our business efficiently but with a tiny bit of good cheer. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

Dan was a lifelong pioneer in both private and public sectors, focusing on development and application of information technology capabilities and infrastructure. Dan also served as Chief Information Officer to the Department of Transportation.

Dan leaves behind his wife, Robin (nee Handfield) of Stuart, Florida, three children Amy Jimmis of Coventry, Rhode Island, Tracy Cunningham (Jim) of Oakwood, Ohio, and James Matthews (Lindsay) of Brugelette, Belgium, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind three sisters Charlotte McMahon (Robert) of Auburn, Massachusetts, Maryclaire Quine (Douglas) of Bethel, Connecticut, and Anne-Marie McCarthy (Joseph) of Raleigh, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be sent to the George L. Wood Upton VFW Post 5594 via www.UptonVFW.org

A private burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Upton, Massachusetts will be held at a later date.