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Rudolph Walter Rudy' Matz October 21, 1919 - January 3, 2018 Poway Rudolph Walter Matz, 98, US Navy (ret. Lt. Commander) World War II fighter pilot, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2018, at his home. Rudolph "Rudy" was born to John and Frances Matz in Utica, OH. He was the second of seven children to be raised on the family farm. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy in 1939.Rudy served in the Navy for 21 years. During World War II at the Battle of Midway.. He was then commissioned as a naval aviator completing his flight school in 1943; he would go on to fly 44 combat missions flying the F6F-3 Hellcat and Corsair with the VF-1 "High Hatters" aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown CV-10. He shot down five enemy planes during the war, earning 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 8 Air Medals, and 2 Presidential Citations. After the war, Rudy would go on to work for the Navy as an experimental flight test pilot, testing 33 different high altitude planes and earning the rank of lieutenant commander. In 2014, Rudy was awarded the Midway American Patriot Award. Rudy married his first wife, Maxine Wilson (d. 2001) in Newark, OH, on September 24, 1944. Their 57-year marriage gave them four children: Carolyn, Lindsey, Rudy Jr. and Eric. Rudy graduated from Ohio State University in 1956, and was subsequently stationed in San Diego, living in Imperial Beach. After purchasing land in Poway in 1955, Rudy opened Poway Lumber and Hardware in 1958. Upon retiring from the United States Navy in 1960, he moved the family to Poway. Rudy established two businesses in Poway, the aforementioned and Poway's Padre Transit Mix in 1974. Rudy was an important figure in the Poway community, co-founding the local Lions Club and Poway Rodeo, which allowed him to serve and give back to the community he loved. Rudy was also a member of the San Diego Al Bahr Shriners service organization. For his community service, commitment, and accomplishments to the Poway community for over 50 years, Rudy was awarded the Poway Mayor's Award in 2014. All of his and Maxine's children would graduate from Poway High School. Rudy married his long-time companion of 13 years, Tess Hernandez-Matz, on March 21, 2015. In his free time, Rudy enjoyed spending time in his orchard, fishing, traveling, collecting coins and most importantly, spending time with his family and loved ones. During his time in the Navy and in retirement, he traveled the world and enjoyed every opportunity he had to spend time on vacation with his family. He is remembered by family and friends as a kind, humble, dignified, honorable and loving man, whose service to our country and community demonstrated his incredibly selfless nature. In death, he is remembered for the life he lived, the country he served and the community he cared for. Viewing and funeral services will be held at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary; viewing to be held on January 18, from 4pm to 8pm and funeral to be held on Jan 19, at 10:30am. Full military honors to be held at Dearborn Memorial Park Cemetery on January 19, at noon, following the funeral service. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, send to USS Midway Scholarship Fund, Educational Programs - Midway Scholarship Fund, 910 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, 92101. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Poway Bernardo Mortuary - Poway.
I can always offer condolences to the family of a man like this. I found this Obituary looking for another fine officer. He was Ensign John Matz from Ohio when I knew him on the Midway! RIP sir!
George Ward
December 27, 2018
What a courageous hero and a life well lived! It was a privilege to meet our local humble hero, Rudy Matz Sr. Because of him and his generation, we have the freedoms we may take for granted. Each of us felt fortunate to learn more from Rudy each time we talked. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Matz Family.
Best wishes,
Christy & Alan Winters
Christy & Alan Winters
January 24, 2018
Rudy was a member of our Lodge (Licking #291) Over a period of years I have talked to Rudy over the phone several times and always enjoyed our visit. He always asked about some of his high School friends and was interested in the community he grew up in.
He was a great fellow and will be remembered in our Lodge.
Jack Raines
January 18, 2018
May God give you all strength during this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers! Will and Cecilia Sandhage
Will and Cecilia Sandhage
January 18, 2018
Rudy we will miss you so much! We will always remember the good talks and the fun we had when you and Tessie went to diner with us! We will always love you Rudy! You will be in our hearts forever!
Will and Cecilia Sandhage
Friend
January 18, 2018
Barcy Vidt
January 17, 2018
Remembering your great love story today and always.
January 15, 2018
Rudy Matz was such a wonderful man, full of life and fun! His wife Tess was my cousin, and along with other cousins, we had so many good times. We went to Hawaii and Alaska together, wine tasting in Sonoma, and shared many memorable dinners and great conversations. I loved him very much and will miss him by Tessie's side sharing laughter, jokes, and great memories.
Elena Gastelum
Friend
January 11, 2018
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