Matthew R. McClain

LAKE WINOLA — Matthew R. McClain, 65, of Lake Winola, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, in Dunmore.

Matthew was born on July 1, 1951, in Meshoppen, the son of the late George J. (Dec. 31, 1977) and Grace (Kelly) McClain (Jan. 11, 2005). He attended the Elk Lake and Wyalusing High School; after high school he attended Penn State University at University Park for architectural design and drafting.

Matthew was a business owner in the area in the field of stone masonry and landscaping design in the natural stone industry from the 1970s until present time. He was very skilled in stone artwork and was a pioneer in stone industry. His life revolved around his artwork, stone work and his landscaping abilities and designs. His skills and abilities took him all over the country as he worked in Pennsylvania, Chicago, New York, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Vermont, and he even worked for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C.

Matthew enjoyed playing pool and golf. He enjoyed playing golf at Stone Hedge Golf Course, and his landscaping abilities gave him a lifetime membership, since he would landscape the golf course. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and later in life purchased a Porsche, which he enjoyed as well. He loved to work on family landscaping projects and to sing karaoke. Matthew had a great sense of humor, and he loved to spend time with his family, especially during the Christmas season.

Matthew is survived by his son, Stacey McClain and his wife, Jennifer, of Tunkhannock; daughters, Missy Newton and her husband, Brett, of Wyalusing, Kyonna McClain, of Lake Winola; step-son, Kiah VanGorden and his wife, Lindsay, of Meshoppen; step-daughter, Kerra VanGorden, of Lake Carey; grandchildren, Taylor Newton, Josh McClain, Tiffany Newton, Jacob McClain and Hannah McClain. He is also survived by his sister, Katherine McClain, of Gettysburg; brothers, James McClain (Barbara), of Whippany, N.J., George "Joe" McClain (Ellen), of Laceyville, Wayne McClain (Beverly) of Ripley, Ohio; Kirby McClain (Joanne), of Ulster; Edward McClain, of Seneca Lake, N.Y.; Michael McClain (Bette), of Meshoppen.; first wife, Wilma (Decker) Rimkus, of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; second wife, Denise Smales, of Tunkhannock; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Besides his parents, Matthew was preceded in death by toddler brother, David McClain; and brother, Jonathon McClain (March 11, 2011).

A memorial service for Matthew will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with the Rev. Scott Ryan, of the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, officiating. Family and friends may call 2 p.m. to service Sunday at the funeral home..

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.