Matthew F. and Patricia A. Lennon

Patsy was born in Scranton, PA on December 31, 1933. She was the daughter of the late John and Irene (Jones) Booth. Matty was born on June 28, 1934, the son of the late Charles and Irene (Rowland) Lennon of Scranton, PA.  They are survived by their four sons Patrick “Art” (Cathy) Newark, DE, Matthew (Michele) Newark, DE, Mark (Joanne) Wilmington, DE and David (Charlotte) Newark, DE, grandchildren Amanda Latina (Salvatore), Samantha Enderle (Stephen), Brittany, Matthew (Megan), Luke, Patrick and Alexander and three great grandchildren Gianna and Salvatore Latina and Sophie Lennon.  Their fourth great grandchild is due to arrive in March.  They are predeceased by their grandson Daniel Lennon.

Patsy was a loving and devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Godmother, Mother-in-law, and Friend.   She had a heart of gold with an open-door policy for anyone who needed a meal, someone to talk too, or a place to stay.   Patsy graduated from Scranton Tech High in 1951.  She enjoyed spending every summer at the family lake house located on Newton Lake in Carbondale, PA.  She shared many stories and photos with her family about the great times and memories made at the Lake during her life - a place very near and dear to her heart.  She was a member of Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE for 63 years serving as a proud member of the Choir and Altar Guild volunteering at many events held at both the church and in the community. 

Patsy started her career at Prudential Insurance in Scranton, PA and continued working as an Insurance broker at Bramhall & Hitchens Insurance Agency in Wilmington, DE.  She then switched careers to compassionate care working at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, DE and Kentmere Nursing Home in Wilmington, DE. 

In addition to her children, Patsy is survived by her brother Daniel Booth (Carol) of Scranton, PA, Leona Weissman of Moscow, PA, and Gayle Czajkowski (William) of Bear, DE, sisters-in-law, Connie Booth, Rochester, NY and Viola Booth, Auburn, NY and a host of nieces and nephews.   She is predeceased by her sister, Irene Reese (Robert) and brothers John “Jackie” Booth, Robert Booth and Owen Booth and brothers-in-law Bobby Reese and Willard Weissman, Sr.

Matty started his career at the age of 16 with the Bricklayers Union Local #12 in Scranton, PA before transferring his card to Local #1 in Wilmington, DE two years later.  His family moved to Little Italy in Wilmington, DE in 1950, at which time, he took a job for the construction of Saint Anthony of Padua grade school.  After meeting Fr. Roberto Balducelli, the two became close friends and confidants.  Matty volunteered many hours at both the Parish and at St. Anthony in the Hills putting his trade skills to good use.  Matty was a great storyteller and one of his favorites was when he used leftover stone from the school to build his mother a grotto to honor her devotion to the blessed mother.  Much to Matty’s surprise, Fr. Roberto gifted him a statue of the Blessed Mother, that he brought back from a recent trip he took to Italy during the construction phase. Father Roberto blessed the statue and to this day, the shrine exists in the back yard of their home.  Matty retired in 1997 after a 46-year career with the Union.

Private First-Class Matthew F. Lennon served in the US Army for two- years as a “I Corps Artillery Specialist” serving in Korea from 1957-1959.  When he returned from Korea, Matty and Patsy settled in Wilmington, DE to raise their four boys. 

Matty was a dedicated and familiar face as a parishioner at Saint John the Beloved Parish for the past 63 years.  He was a member of the choir when mass was held at the Armory prior to the church being built. In the late 1950s, he joined the Barber Shop Quartet singing his heart out across Wilmington.  He was a Third-Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus joining Pope Pius 12 Council in 1959 until joining the St. Michael’s Council at Holy Family Parish.  Matty was a founding member and instrumental in building the Saint John the Beloved Council 11796 established in 1996.  In 2016, Matty received the “Family of the Year” award from the Council.  Matty was a steady presence at the 11:30am mass serving as an usher – you may have been one of those he called upon to bring the gifts to the alter or collect offerings.  He was also a member of the Athletic Association.  Regularly attending sporting events, the annual carnival and wherever a helping hand was needed. Which included laying brick when the Father Gerres building was being constructed.  Matty knew everyone and everyone knew him.  He had a heart of gold just like his wife Patsy and was loved by all.

Matty was a book of knowledge with a highly creative and artistic mind.  He studied MC Escher illustrations and designs which inspired him to create his own business “Yesterday’s Creations Tomorrow’s Designs.”  Matty had various patents and received many awards & recognitions for his unique three-dimensional hand-crafted wood puzzles, all bearing the names of his grandchildren. 

Matty is survived by his sister Peggy Owens, brothers Jimmy (Kay), Mike (Anita), sister-in-law Sharon and brother-in-law Butch Holmes and a host of nieces and nephews. Matty is predeceased by his sister Molly Holmes, brothers Abe (Mary), Chuck (Betty), Joseph, John, and brother-in-law Jack Owens.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Maryann McGonigal, Jeanne Deal, Stacey Czajkowski, Esther Stevenson and Amanda Latina for their love, care, compassion, and support during this difficult time.  Our parents loved each of you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Matthew and Patricia, on Monday February 8, 2021 at 11:30am at Saint John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.   Family and friends are invited to call at the Corleto-Latina Family Center, 807 N. Union St. Wilmington, DE 19805 after 8:30am.