Former mayor to be honored for 57 years of unwavering dedication to Montgomery Township

By Barbara A. Preston and Lea Florentine | Posted Dec. 17, 2025

Donald W. Matthews — a pillar of civic engagement, contributing his time, talents, and wisdom across a remarkable spectrum of roles — retires after decades of dedicated volunteer service to Montgomery Township. 

Don Matthews at a Montgomery-Rocky Hill Rotary Club meeting. He is a former president of the club.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

Donald W. Matthews will retire from his official volunteer duties with Montgomery Township on December 31 after an extraordinary 57-year tenure marked by unwavering dedication, integrity, and leadership, according to a proclamation that will be delivered at the Township Committee Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, beginning at 7:30 pm.

Matthews currently serves on the Montgomery Planning Board and Landmarks Commission, but has served the township in many roles beginning in 1968 as a member of the Civilian Defense Council. He served as a Republican on Township Committee from 1983 to 2003, and as mayor in 1985, 1986, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000.

Don Matthews with his wife Patricia Ann “Pat” on their iconic farm in Belle Mead with bright red barns and tall white silos. For the Matthews, this farm has been home for 73 years.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

Don, 95, could tell stories about being a dairy farmer in old Montgomery, out in the fields in all kinds of weather to care for the cows. When he was 15, for example, he was struck by lightning.

His family had been dairy farmers in Sussex County since the early 1800s, until his grandparents’ entire herd had to be destroyed after it tested positive for tuberculosis in 1929.

Don planned on attending Rutgers University until his father asked him to stay and help run the farm. After Don and Pat married, they began looking for a farm of their own.

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The Matthews toured a 269-acre gentleman’s farm in Belle Mead, but the $125,000 price tag was out of their league. After investigating the Matthews, the gentlemen who owned the farm (C. V. O’Brien) asked them to raise $40,000 within a year to prove they were earnest. Working day and night on nearly a thousand acres of local farmland, they raised the funds. O’Brien dropped his price and the Matthews took out a loan to pay an additional $35,000 for the farm.

In addition to his community service, Matthews has been instrumental in obtaining numerous land acquisitions for Open Space and Farmland Preservation in the township — including a section of his dairy farm on Route 206.

A portion of the Matthews Dairy Farm is preserved, as viewed from Route 206 in Belle Mead.

Photo by Barbara A. Preston

>> VIDEO – Matthews Farm: Preserved Land Maintains the Bonds of Family

"Don’s service reflects a rare and commendable commitment to public service that has shaped the very fabric of Montgomery Township; and his contributions have touched nearly every aspect of township life— from public safety and  environmental stewardship to historical preservation and community wellness— leaving an indelible legacy of  thoughtful governance and heartfelt care for his fellow citizens," according to the Township Committee's proclamation.

"Don’s deep institutional knowledge, collaborative spirit, and tireless advocacy have earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, residents, and regional partners alike." 

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The public is invited to the Township Committee meeting on Dec. 18 at the town hall at 7:30 pm to honor Donald W. Matthews for his decades of distinguished  service, and to wish him a joyful, fulfilling, and well-earned retirement, filled with good health, happiness, and  continued purpose.

The following list of Matthews' accomplishments show why he is being recognized as a pillar of civic engagement. He has contributed his time, talents, and wisdom across a remarkable spectrum of roles, including: