A man known for celebrating and honoring the history of Bethlehem has now become a part of its pages.
Parker D. Mathusa, a friend, mentor and community leader to many, died after a courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Sunday, Nov. 16, at his Delmar home, surrounded by his family.
He was 70.
Born on April 5, 1938, in Cedar Hill, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Tansey) Mathusa.
Mr. Mathusa was a graduate of the Historic Little Red School House in Cedar Hill and Ravena-Coeyman-Selkirk High School Class of 1955. In 1958, he was a community ambassador for the Town of Coeymans in Amsterdam, Holland. Mr. Mathusa received his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University at Albany in 1959 and his master’s degree in engineering management from Northeastern University in 1970.
He was an Eagle Scout and served in the National Guard.
Mathusa worked in Newport News, Va., under the command of Admiral Rickover in 1959, helping build the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, The USS Enterprise. He also helped build nuclear power plants in several locations including, Alaska, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Boston.
In 1964, he met his wife in Pittsburgh. He was working for Westinghouse, where he built a propulsion system for the first Mars space orbiter.
In 1970, Mr. Mathusa came home to New York to begin his work on energy management related programs. It began a 38-year career starting at the Public Service Commission and then was Program Director for New York State Energy and Research Development Authority.
He was selected and served as emissary to China for Energy Infrastructure Development.
After retirement, he served on the NYSERDA Board of Directors as a Research Scientist for 10 years and was Bethlehem’s Planning Board chair, member of the Planning Advisory Committee, the Comprehensive Planning Oversight Committee and the Quadricentennial Committee.
Mathusa was a member of the Normanside Country Club, the Bethlehem Grange, the Bethlehem Historical Society, the University Club, Steuben Athletic Club, Southwood Tennis Club, and New York State Senior Golf League.
He has received multiple national and state program awards and was twice Citizen of the Year for the Town of Bethlehem as well was a town historic tour guide.
In October, Mathusa had a bench and plaque dedicated in his name for his vision and dedication to the Quadricentennial Committee. The bench was placed near the Hudson River in Henry Hudson Park in Bethlehem.
He enjoyed golfing, sailing and helping his community. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Parker Mathusa was a loving and generous man, his family wrote in tribute.
`He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he has touched.`
Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham said the town also feels the loss of the Mathusa family.
`He’s an institution here at Town Hall,` Cunningham said. `He’s really going to be truly missed.`
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Polly Anne; four daughters, Elise (Jim) Flynn of Chester, Heather (Michael) Tangora of Delmar, Ashlee (John) Church of Delmar, and Bethany (John) Furgele of Delmar; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Verne (Ted) Nyquist of Bartlett, Ill.; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 9:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar.
Contributions may be made to the MDA, 1 Marcus Blvd., No. 203, Albany 12205, or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany 12205.
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