Raymond Travis Matthew Sr.

September 23, 1942 - January 5, 2021

The family of Raymond T. Matthew Sr. encourages social distancing during this unprecedented pandemic. As such, the viewing and ceremony will be live-streamed via Social Media on Facebook Live and Zoom. Please be encouraged to attend through these platforms. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81875286941?pwd=OERYbjBZSXpwb0NSWnBxYlZCaXlvZz09 Meeting ID: 818 7528 6941 Passcode: Raymond Raymond T. Matthew, Sr. was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 23, 1942. Born to Travis E. Matthew and Lucille Christian-Fuller. His siblings are Eunice, Bernice, Kenyalita, Arelita, Marla, Mavis, Marvin, and Anthony. He grew up in Harlem, New York on 141st Street between St. Nicholas and Edgecombe Avenue. In the later years, the family moved to St. Albans, New York. Raymond, affectionately known as “Ray” or “Paco” attended elementary school, PS. 5, and all-boys Junior High School, PS. 139. He loved to cook and garnered culinary skills from his early preparation at the Food Trades Vocational High School (now Park West) in New York. He mastered baking, cake decorating, and marketing which led to a lifelong career in this profession. Raymond’s life was characterized by a strong religious commitment. He worshipped at the Macedonia Baptist Church, New York, and Transfiguration Lutheran Church, New York where he was highly active in youth ministry. At the age of 16, he worked with the young people of the community at the World of Life Youth Ministry Camp. He studied at the Moody Bible Institute for two years and was a leader of the Transfiguration Luther League. The bond forged with several members of the Luther League resulted in the creation of the Residential Social Club, which has stood the test of time for over sixty years. Raymond was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964 and served a tour of duty in Vietnam, with distinction. Honorably discharged from the military he lived briefly in New York and then relocated to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He pursued his degree at the University of the Virgin Islands, where he majored in Political Science and minored in Psychology and Administration. Flashback: His siblings fondly remember nostalgic moments with Raymond and enjoying life in New York, going to the park, the ice cream parlor, Coney Island, and the museums. He frequently went to Chinatown for authentic Chinese cuisine with his younger brother and son. To overcome his distinction as the only male before his baby brother was born, he often rough-housed with his baby sister. When his baby sister got older, she asked why and he responded, “I was tired of Mommy having so many girls.” Raymond found his career with the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department in 1968 and ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure, he held numerous positions focused on supporting the youth. Special Traffic Enforcement Officer, Crime Prevention Director of the St. Croix Police Athletic League, Charter Representative/Advisor with the Police Pre-Cadets – Law Enforcement Explorers, Supervisor of the School Crossing Guards, Coordinator for in-school and after school centers and youth summer programs. Throughout his career, he received several recognitions for outstanding police work, including the national “Outstanding Juvenile Crime Prevention Specialist” award and locally known to many as, “Officer Friendly,” when working with McGruff – the Crime Prevention dog mascot. Upon retiring in 1989 from the U.S. V.I. Police Department, Raymond, with his multi-talented skills worked for the Boy Scouts of America serving as the St. Croix District Executive. He was responsible for developing and recruiting new scouting units, training volunteers, and instituting summer programs for Cub and Pack Boy Scouts Troops. Improving the image and developing the scouting program was a job he took pride in doing. He was recognized for his service receiving numerous awards, the Silver Beaver Award, the District Award of Merit, and the Leadership Award. Raymond also worked as an Auxiliary Police Officer, and a Kmart Loss Control Specialist. Raymond was a legend in his own time and exemplified the true spirit of “giving back” to his community. The work he has done for the youth, his generosity evident in his willingness to mentor the youth by exposing them to the wonderful experiences of the love of God and family. His calling manifested in his life’s work as he served as a religious instructor at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, taught the Catholic Christian Doctrine/Confirmation classes, served as facilitator of the Christ in Others Retreat (C.O.R.), and advised the St. Ann’s, St. Joseph’s, and St. Patrick’s Churches youth clubs, Arthur Richards Junior High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Camp Arawak, and Young Life of St. Croix. Raymond’s motto was: “All youth can be helped! Reach out to them on their level and you will see a change in them.” Raymond was joined at the hip by his wife, Juanita Santos Matthew for 43 years. They celebrated this union with four lovely children: Ray Jr., Lester, Dion, and Natalie. Raymond’s family kitchen, with Juanita as the first-mate, produced fireworks of culinary delicacies 365 days a year. From pasteles, Vienna cakes, coquito, sweet bread, and fruit cakes. Holidays and celebrated events were fully manifested as a conglomerate of our cultural diversity, especially on Three Kings Day. The unity of family was on display with our imperfect characters, but in perfect balance as exhibited when it was time to consume the spread laid out by Raymond and Juanita. The beauty of Raymond and Juanita’s household was sharing with the family through conversation, food, and drink. Raymond would always bid goodbye by saying, “Wait, wait, don’t forget your plate of food, and don’t knock anybody down on your way out.” Throughout his journey on this earth, he taught a highly sought-after class in Baking and Cake Decorating at the Adult Education Program - St. Croix Vocational High School. He was the original “Cake Boss.” Award-winning decorative cakes were featured at many prominent events, such as the Congressional Black Caucus hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Raymond exhibited the character of an ultimate ambassador in his “peopleness.” His continuous effort to align himself with people, while maintaining a quiet spirit, and sound mind, was brilliant. His desire was for everyone to live their best life and maximize the moment. He would say as well, “no drama,” or “pick up your bootstraps”, “keep it moving” and “10-4.” Lastly, Raymond encouraged everyone to appreciate their challenges as well as their blessings. He was pleased to watch the youth that he helped find their way, who now hold positions in corporate, government, and law enforcement. Raymond’s memories will forever be etched in our hearts and his contributions to so many lives will always be remembered. We praise God for sharing him with us. May he rest in eternal peace. Raymond leaves to cherish his memory; wife – Juanita; sons – Raymond Jr, Lester, Dion; daughter – Natalie; great-aunt – Rebecca; great-uncle – Sam; siblings – Bernice, Kenyalita, Marla, Arelita, Marvin, Mavis, and Anthony; sisters-in-law – Norma and Anita; brothers-in-law – Enrique, Roberto, Miguel, and Benito; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins by the dozens, and many dear friends too numerous to mention. Welcoming him home is, mother – Lucille; father – Travis; stepmother – Emelda; sibling – Eunice; daughter-in-law – Valerie, and all our Angels in Heaven. Lovingly, The Family