Stephen Audley Mathias, 67, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Monday, October 24, 2022. He was the loving husband of Lynette (Moore) Mathias, and a longtime Pediatric Ophthalmologist of Connecticut Eye Consultants (formerly Danbury Eye Physicians and Surgeons).
Stephen was born on June 25, 1955, in Akron, Ohio; a son of the late Daniel and Mary Alice (Calhoun) Mathias. He earned his undergraduate degree at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he met his future wife, Lynette. They were married in 1977 following graduation and then moved to Ann Arbor where Stephen earned a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Michigan. Stephen earned his M.D. at the University of Cincinnati in 1982 and interned at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati.
Stephen and Lynette relocated to Eastchester, New York in 1983, where Stephen began his ophthalmology residency at The Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. After completing his residency in 1986, he did a year-long fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus with Drs. Phil Knapp and Howard Eggers. During his fellowship he also worked part-time as a general ophthalmologist in central Brooklyn.
Dr. Mathias joined Danbury Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Danbury, CT in 1987. He joined a practice with two other physicians, Drs. Ralph Falkenstein and Matthew Paul and built his practice as a specialist in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Neuro-ophthalmology until his retirement in November 2020. He quickly became a partner in the practice and over the years the practice grew from three physicians to fourteen. He wanted to provide the best care possible for his patients and the best work environment for employees. He was always the one to organize social events to foster camaraderie in the office. During these years, Dr. Mathias was an Attending in the Department of Surgery at Danbury Hospital, a Consultant for the Department of Pediatrics, and Chairman of the Ophthalmology subsection from 1996-98. He was also an Attending Surgeon at Danbury Surgical Center. Dr. Mathias was a member of many professional organizations including the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians, and Danbury Medical Society, among others.
Outside of his practice, Stephen was deeply involved at his church, First Congregational Church of Ridgefield, CT. He held many positions over the years, including Chair of Church Council, Youth Ministry, HOME, and Trustees. A highlight of his commitment was as Chair of the committee for the church’s 300th anniversary, for which he planned many activities. He was proud of the church’s history book that was created during this time.
Stephen became involved with Boy Scouts when his sons were Cub Scouts. He was Cubmaster of Pack 26. As his sons moved up, he also moved up to Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 116. He later founded Troop 431 and served as Scoutmaster.
Stephen volunteered for numerous International Habitat for Humanity trips through the church. His first trip sealed his love for mission and helping others. He also volunteered for medical mission trips at Holy Family Surgical Center in Honduras. He enjoyed these trips and especially liked visiting the local orphanage, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.
His family was first to him. Everything he did was because of them. Stephen is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynette, and their 3 children: Jason Mathias and his wife, Anne; Brian Mathias and his partner, Ricky Law; and Sara Josephson and her husband, Matthew. In addition, Stephen is survived by 5 grandchildren: Jack, Kate and Molly Mathias and Leah and Isaac Josephson, He is also survived by his siblings: Jeffrey Mathias and his partner, Liz Allen, Debbie Salyers and her husband, Gary, and Cindy Dougherty, as well as his brother-in-law, David Moore and his wife, Enza, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Stephen’s life will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 11am at the First Congregational Church; 103 Main Street, Ridgefield. A reception will be held following the service in Lund Hall. There will be no calling hours and interment will take place privately.
Contributions may be made to either The First Congregational Church of Ridgefield Columbarium Fund or Memorial Fund. Donations can also be made to Habitat For Humanity International at https://www.habitat.org/support/honor-memorial-gifts or 800-422-4828. Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.
R