Bethlehem fixture felled by ALS
Parker Mathusa known for lending a hand and cheering on grandchildren

By SHARON HONG, Staff writer
First published in print: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

BETHLEHEM — Parker D. Mathusa, who served his town, state and nation, died at home Sunday after a long battle with ALS. He was 70.

Born in the town's Cedar Hills area, he graduated from Ravena-Coeyman-Selkirk High School and what was then Albany State Teachers College (now the University at Albany) and earned a master's in engineering management from Northeastern University.

Mathusa helped build the first nuclear-powered aircraft, the USS Enterprise, and the propulsion system for the first Mars space orbiter. He also traveled around the nation building nuclear power plants.

On his return to New York in 1970, he began a 38-year career in state government with the Public Service Commission and went on to serve as program director and board member of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Mathusa also devoted his time and talent to his hometown.

"He had a real sense of ownership for the town and there were things he was very protective of," said Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham, who frequently called upon Mathusa to recount town history.

In October, the town dedicated a bench and plaque to Mathusa for his work with the Quadricentennial Committee.

A "true gentleman" and "all-around great guy," Mathusa was respectful of everyone and nothing was below him, said Cunningham.

"He didn't brag about his experience or boast about himself," Cunningham recalled. "He just always was around wanting to help."

Sheila Fuller, town supervisor from 1994 to 2003, remembers "What can I do for you?" as a phrase she often heard from Mathusa, who attended every Town Board, planning and zoning meeting.

This week's planning board meeting will be the first without him in years, said Cunningham.

Jim Flynn, who married the eldest of Mathusa's four daughters, said family always came first for the man they called Pop. He and his wife, Polly, were married for 45 years.

A stellar athlete who was offered a chance to play major league baseball with the Dodgers, Mathusa would show up at Little League, football and wrestling contests to see his 10 grandchildren play, and he often went out of his way to show support for them.

"He would get in the car and travel 200 miles, regardless of time or day,'' said Flynn, "to see a soccer game."

Calling hours will be from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. The funeral Mass will be at 9:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

In lieu of flowers, his family asked that contributions be made to the ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Road, Albany, NY 12205.

Sharon Hong can be reached at 454-5414 or by e-mail at shong@timesunion.com.