ROBERT N. MATHENY, LT, USN
Robert Matheny '81
Lucky Bag
From the 1981 Lucky Bag:
Robert N. Matheny
Bolivar, New York
Biker earned his nickname by arriving at USNA with a reckless, daring attitude which has greatly effected his four years here. Being from the sticks of Bolivar, New York probably contributed too. True to his image he earned his Black N as one of the proud Manicotti Kids. Through it all, Bob has handled academics with no problems, even though his Aero Engineering major resulted in typically long nights and a multitude of late lab reports. Biker discovered Rugby at the Academy, and soon earned his N-sweater in the "sport", yet we wonder whether he excelled more on the field or at the infamous Rugby parties. But, no matter the occasion, we could be sure Bob would show, and usually with an eye out for the best looking women, too. With his love for excitement, Bob will be right at home landing his jet on any carrier. We're sure Biker will prove himself again with the Jet Jocks.
Robert N. Matheny
Bolivar, New York
Biker earned his nickname by arriving at USNA with a reckless, daring attitude which has greatly effected his four years here. Being from the sticks of Bolivar, New York probably contributed too. True to his image he earned his Black N as one of the proud Manicotti Kids. Through it all, Bob has handled academics with no problems, even though his Aero Engineering major resulted in typically long nights and a multitude of late lab reports. Biker discovered Rugby at the Academy, and soon earned his N-sweater in the "sport", yet we wonder whether he excelled more on the field or at the infamous Rugby parties. But, no matter the occasion, we could be sure Bob would show, and usually with an eye out for the best looking women, too. With his love for excitement, Bob will be right at home landing his jet on any carrier. We're sure Biker will prove himself again with the Jet Jocks.
Loss
Robert was lost on June 20, 1988 when the A-4 Skyhawk aircraft he was piloting crashed off the coast of Virginia. He was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 43, based at Oceana, Virginia.
Obituary
From the October 1988 issue of Shipmate:
ROBERT NEWELL MATHENY '81
Lt. Robert (Bob) N. Matheny was killed 20 June 1988 while on a training mission for VF-43 in the Virginia Capes operating area. As of this writing, the A-4 accident is currently under naval investigation. The funeral was held at St. Mary's Church in Bolivar, New York, on 27 June.
Bob was born 12 October 1959 and grew up in Bolivar, New York, graduating from Bolivar Central High School in 1977. Bob was very active in numerous sports, extracurricular, and community activities during his pre-Academy days. Bob graduated from the Academy in 1981 with his degree in aeronautical engineering and as a star letterman on the rugby team before selecting Naval Aviation as his career path.
He completed flight training at Pensacola and Meridian before accepting his initial assignment as part of the adversary squadron in Subic Bay, the Philippines. As part of the "Checker Tails" Bob flew throughout the area for 16 months before reporting to his next duty in Oceana, Virginia with VF-11. Bob flew F-14's off of FORRESTAL with VF-11 and then off of SARATOGA with VF-74 before transferring to VF-43.
Throughout his career. Bob was extremely active in community youth groups. During his time in Pensacola he coached championship basketball and football teams, and was personally recognized with his own key to the city and the dedication of Robert Matheny Day, 27 February 1982, for his efforts with the Youth Organization. Bob was also recognized and honored with a citation from the Virginia Beach JC's and Chamber of Commerce. Bob is to be recognized with an article in their national publication for his leadership and guidance to area youth organizations.
Survivors include parents and family of Bolivar, New York, and too many friends to possibly mention. Bob's spirit for life and concern for the development of the student-athlete will be continued with the Lt. Robert Matheny Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund for Bolivar Central High School Students. Support can be directly addressed to: Bolivar Central, 100 School Street, Bolivar, N.Y. 14715.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Robert graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1977 majoring in math, science and Spanish. He was vice-president of NHS and sports co-editor for the yearbook. He won the Board of Education Outstanding Achievement Award, the WHDL Sportscasters Club Scholarship, and a New York State Regents Scholarship.
As a junior, he was selected to represent American Legion Kenyon Andrus Post 772 at the 1976 Boys’ State leadership action program. He was a member of NHS, Student Action for Education Club, the Junior Play cast, and the marching band. He was also the yearbook staff’s sports co-editor. He played football, basketball and baseball for all three years, and was on the track team his last year.
He received his appointment to the Naval Academy, was recipient of an NROTC Scholarship at Notre Dame, and had an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn.
Bob was buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bolivar, NY.
Photographs
From the Lucky Bag
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook
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