Floyd David "Dave" Mathias

Floyd (Dave) David Mathias' Story
1933 – 2025
Age 92
Laguna Niguel, California

Floyd "Dave" Mathias, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Laguna Niguel, California. Born on April 23, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Dave lived a long and fulfilling life marked by service to his country, dedication to his career, and deep devotion to his family.

Dave proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, and later at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, he operated heavy equipment and managed radio communications. He left the service with the rank of Senior Airman and transitioned into civilian life with a strong sense of discipline and purpose.

In 1958, Dave began what would become a distinguished career with Smith Corona. Starting as a Territory Sales Manager in Omaha, Nebraska, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his work ethic and leadership. In 1962, he accepted a promotion to Area Sales Manager and relocated to Overland Park, Kansas. A decade later, in 1972, he was promoted again and assigned to Smith Corona's largest market in the New York City metropolitan area. His final role as National Accounts Manager brought him to Laguna Niguel, CA in 1987. After nearly three decades of dedicated service to the company, Dave retired at age 62.

Retirement did not slow Dave down. After a brief period of part-time work-and plenty of golf he and his beloved wife Patti launched an independent electronic lock installation business. Together they traveled across the western United States installing state-of-the-art locking systems in hotels and motels. This venture allowed them not only to work side by side but also to visit extended family throughout the region. Their partnership continued well into Dave's early 80s.

Dave was known for his boundless optimism and generous spirit. He had an innate ability to find the good in everyone he met and was always ready with a kind word or helping hand. A devoted husband until Patti's passing in 2018, he never stopped speaking lovingly of her or cherishing their time together.

He was also a proud father and grandfather who found great joy in family gatherings and milestones. He is survived by his sons David Mathias and Dale Mathias; daughter-in-law Debra Mathias; granddaughters Danielle McCall, Ashley Mathias, and Alli Minna; great-grandchildren Jayden Mathias, Helena McCall, Chandler McCall, Grayson McCall, Cody Minna, and Lily Minna; as well as the entire Mathias, Sitar and Green families of nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Patti; his brother Dick Mathias; sisters Margery Sitar and Barbara Green; mother Miriam Mathias; and father Floyd Dell Mathias.

A man of many interests beyond work and family life, Dave remained an avid golfer well into his eighties. He enjoyed following NFL football closely and kept up with world news and politics with keen interest. Handy around the house, he took pride in home improvement projects and tinkering with tools-always eager to fix or build something new.

Dave's legacy is one of love for family, loyalty to friends, commitment to hard work, and an unwavering belief in seeing the best in others. His warmth touched many lives across generations.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. An Interment will be held on January 27, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 01:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. The ceremony and interment for Dave and Patti Mathias will be private with only family attending.