Obituary of Matthew-G. Carter

Matthew G. Carter, the first African-American mayor and commissioner of public works in Montclair, N.J., died from complications of Alzheimer's disease on March 14, 2012, at the age of 98. His was a true American story of struggle and accomplishment, becoming a prominent religious, civil rights and political leader. The beloved husband of Frances Hill Carter, he was the loving father to Bettye C. Freeman and Nanette Carter, and devoted grandfather to Eva Freeman, Nina Hanlon and Leah Haskin. Matthew Carter's success as a public official stemmed from his strong faith in humanity and in Christianity. He believed overall in man's connection to his fellow man and that these bonds would ultimately bring meaning to our lives. One of three children born Oct. 16, 1913, in Danville, Va., to Clarence and Henrietta Carter, he worked menial jobs to put himself through college, graduating from Virginia Union University in 1939. In 1942, he received his master of divinity degree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He went on to complete additional graduate studies at Columbia University and Union Seminary in New York City. He received several honorary doctorate degrees and served on many boards, including as member and chairman of the New Jersey State Commission on Civil Rights. He enjoyed summers in Sag Harbor, Long Island, and led the Sag Harbor Hills Association for several years. After retiring, he spent winters in Sarasota, Fla. As a member of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, he served a record- breaking 28 years as editor of The Boule Journal, its official publication. A memorial service is planned for April 28 at 11 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 153 Grove St., Montclair, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations in Matthew's memory may be made to the Virginia Union University General Scholarship Fund at Virginia Union University, Office of Institutional Advancement, c/o Mrs. Deborah Alston, 1500 N. Lombardy St., Richmond, Va. 23220.