Samuel Hugh Matthews

Tracy Press Publisher emeritus Sam Matthews passed away on March 10, 2024, at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital following a bout of pneumonia. He was 91. Sam was known for his unwavering commitment to local news, Tracy history and civic involvement. He was also beloved for being a genuinely good guy who had a great sense of humor and a memory that could knock your socks off. Samuel Hugh Matthews was born on July 8, 1932, to Harvey and Laura Matthews in Ontario, California. Along with his older brother Tom, the family moved to Tracy in 1937. Sam was in high school when his dad, then publisher of the Tracy Press, suddenly passed away and his mom took over the reins. After graduating from Stanford and serving time in the Army, Sam stepped into the role of co-publisher along with Tom. He married Joan Pflugrath in 1960 and they created a life filled with family, friends and traveling. Sam and Joan raised two daughters, Laurie, and Meg, and went onto thoroughly enjoy their granddaughters Carolina, Jackie, Samantha, and Natalie. The city of Tracy was a constant focal point for Sam. His ability to remember a name, date, place – you name it – was honestly amazing. He created many friendships by sharing that history and it gave him great joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Sam at the Grand Theatre on March 29 at 11:00 a.m. Samuel “Sam” Hugh Matthews Please RSVP to the Grand Theatre online at https://atthegrand.vbotickets.com/event/Sam_Matthews_Celebration_of_Life/123133

An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com for condolences and special messages to the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Hugh Matthews, please visit our floral store.