Kenneth Mathias

Ken Mathias, age 84, of Bellefonte, PA, formerly a resident of Dunedin, FL for more than thirty-one years, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 of congestive heart failure.

Ken was born to Robert Owen Mathias and Annabelle (nee Smith) Mathias on April 22, 1938, the youngest of four children. He was a graduate of Trafford High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force.

In June 1968, he married Sharon “Shari” Lee Gildenstern, who he met during a class for recent hires at Delta Airlines. Shari had made a bet with another classmate that she could get a date with the handsome blonde seated at the front of the room and the rest is history. They shared 35 years of marriage until Shari’s untimely passing on 7/22/2003.

During Ken’s career at Delta Airlines, he made many friendships and countless memories which his friends and family will continue to recall and share a laugh over for years to come. His career also afforded his family the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally and to live in many places across the United States, including Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Las Vegas, NV; Pittsburgh, PA and Dunedin, FL.

Robust and six feet tall, Ken was described as a gentle giant by everyone who knew him. He had a huge heart, a forgiving spirit and the ability to make a friend no matter where he went. To the end, he put the needs, comfort and feelings of others above himself.

A natural storyteller, Ken had an incredible sense of humor. Wherever he went, he made friends and shared laughs, usually over a beer or two. It was easy to find him at social gatherings - you’d just listen for laughter and look for the crowd of people and you’d find Ken, recounting a story or telling a joke.

For those who knew Ken, they’ll be chuckling for years over enough stories, witty comebacks and well-told jokes to fill a book. Just a handful include the ousting of Bobo, the yappy dog; Mr. Cunningham’s generosity with the drainage pipe; studdagottz da yo peppera whotz de rotz; the Delta Red Coats; denture-popping and tales of missing belly buttons to young children; checking in for an outpatient procedure (not his); he and Shari’s newlywed jello spat and bassinet man-up moment; mixed up measurements and the Delta uniform; tire marks on his shoe twice within a week; the peanut butter pie; the crashing of Karl’s college party; a garbage can practical joke gone wrong; roller coaster ride at the company picnic; sporting advice from his doctor regarding baseball bats; farm adventures on Potato Garden Run Road; the Frankfurt airport chronicles; a witty comeback in a courtroom; sound advice on an airplane from Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin; career guidance on majoring in finance; and weekends with his grandkids, usually at the camp (which included anything from skinning and eating fried turtle to dolls and percentages - for clarity on the latter, ask grandson Hayden). On top of this, the family would like to apologize to Delta Airlines for the number of complaints regarding the fictional Pete Zebbage, Jyrome Slotzah, and Zeke Zanner. Also, the use of a company stapler as an electric telegraph, the not-so-true lack of bag tags to San Antonio, and the many more practical jokes with colleagues and funny interactions with passengers throughout his career.

Ken left behind many family members who already miss him dearly, including his son Karl Mathias and wife Angel, and his daughter Kendra (Mathias) Yoder and husband Terry. He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren: Canon, Kenny, Jolynn, Ashton, Kayla, Krista, Hayden and Caleb (Anna Saatholf). From a previous marriage, Ken leaves behind his son, Michael Kenneth Bell, grandchildren, Michael Jason Bell and Melissa Margaret Bell and great-grandchildren: Michael Ryan Bell, Jace Stephen Bell and Emily Mae Bell. Ken will also be missed by his nephew Rob Klingensmith and wife Robin with whom he had a special bond, as well as many other loving nieces and nephews.

It brings his family peace to know that Ken is finally reunited with his late wife, Shari, who he had dearly missed. He is also reunited with a granddaughter, Maddie, his parents, and his three siblings, Evelyn, Paul and Bob. No doubt, he has also met up with and shared hugs and perhaps a beer or two with his many friends who passed before him.

Ken and his family would like to extend a special thank you to those who cared for him during his last years, including the many kind souls at Sabal Palms of Largo in Largo FL, and Centre Care in Bellefonte, PA. A special thank-you to Katie at Centre Care whose kindness will never be forgotten. We consider these folks to be living angels who walk the Earth. They bathed and otherwise took care of Ken when the family couldn't. A thousand times, thank you!

An informal celebration of Ken’s life will be Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the clubhouse of the Village at Penn State neighborhood, located at the intersection of Presidents Drive and Tradition Drive (just after turning left on Toftrees Avenue), State College, PA 16803. We also plan to livestream the sharing portion of this service. If you are interested in participating in the livestream, please reach out to Kendra.