Robert Edward Mathieu - Obituary

obert Edward Mathieu, affectionately known as “Pastor Bob,” was born on November 25, 1941, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Robert M. Mathieu and Betty R. Mathieu. He was raised in Baltimore, MD, where he graduated from Baltimore City College High School. He earned his Ministerial Diploma from Faith School of Theology and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Washington Saturday College at Howard University. He was ordained with the Assemblies of God. Bob met the love of his life, Sharon P. Hunter, in May 1964 in Vienna, VA, at a youth convention. He had his eyes on Sharon, but was so nervous that he spent his time talking with her sister, Janet. One year later, Bob and Sharon married on August 14, 1965. Their son, Bobby, was born on December 25, 1966, and daughter, Shari, was born on December 6, 1972. Bob and Sharon felt the call of God to move into inner city Washington DC. God miraculously provided a home in Southeast on May 1, 1971. Bob lived a life of incarnational ministry and racial reconciliation. His model was Jesus Christ, Who, according to John 1:14 (MSG), “moved into the neighborhood”…‘hood, according to Bob. His major accomplishments include founding and directing Camp Dynamite (currently in its 46th year), Anacostia Gospel Chapel, Anacostia Educational Foundation, and a host of educational endeavors, community empowerment programs, and peacemaking initiatives. Bob was known to many as a mentor, radical servant of Christ, pioneer, hero, racial reconciler, role model of incarnational ministry, servant leader, champion of the marginalized, general in the army of the Lord, and advancer of God's Kingdom on earth as it already is in heaven. He was a true legend, who loved all, no matter their rank or status in the eyes of the world. Bob’s passion was to reach souls for Christ. Days before his departure, Bob told his wife, “If I die, I want you to tell everyone how much I love you.” His final words here on earth were, “Love you.” He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon Mathieu; son, Robert R. Mathieu; daughter, Shari Cuesta; sisters, Doris Mancini, Donna Mathieu, and Cheryl Schunck; grandchildren, Mellanie Gleaton, Jheri Fitzgerald, Jemia Mathieu, James Mathieu, and Joi Mathieu; great-grandchild, Josiah Harkness; and a host of family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert M. and Betty Mathieu; brothers, Ronald Mathieu and Lee Rogers Mathieu; and sisters, Judith Mathieu and Wanda Mathieu.