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Rudolph Walter Matz
Poway, CA - Rudy Matz, 98, Lt. Cdr. U. S. Navy, retired, passed away January 3, 2018, at his home in Poway, California, with his family at his side. He was born in Newark, October 21, 1919, to John and Frances (Matern) Matz, graduated from Utica High School and joined the Navy in 1939.
He served on a destroyer during the Battle of Midway; later completed flight school and flew the Hellcat and Corsair planes. During service on the second USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, he shot down five enemy planes. He earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals and two Presidential Citations. Later he was a Navy experimental test pilot. (His military service was featured in the Advocate's "In the Company of Heroes" during July, 2017).
Following retirement in 1960, the family moved to Poway, California, where he was a prominent business man and civic leader. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, the former Maxine Wilson of Newark, who died in 2001; brothers
Otto, Robert, John Jr.; sisters Frieda and Virginia (Carl) Appel of Heath.
He is survived by his second wife, Tess; four children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister, Betty (Frank) Logan of Newark, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral, military, and memorial services will be held in Poway, January 18-19. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midway (Aircraft Carrier) Museum.
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 28, 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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