Kenneth Allen Mattus

Kenneth Allen Mattus
November 17, 1954 – November 13, 2025
Kenneth Allen Mattus, of San Diego, California and just 4 days shy of 71, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. He was born on November 17, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to a life full of service, love, learning, and craftsmanship.
Ken proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, working on nuclear boilers for submarines-an experience he carried with honor throughout his life.
After leaving the service, he met the love of his life, Lori Jean Olson, while working at Wavetech in San Diego, California. Together they shared a passion for scuba diving. Ken became a diving instructor through Ocean Enterprises, and many of their happiest
memories were spent in the water, diving for abalone and passing on their love for the ocean to their children.
A lifelong learner, Ken's curiosity and drive led him into a distinguished career in telecommunication engineering. He worked for Qualcomm, where he ran a research and development lab for telecommunications chip processors that are used in the majority of all cell phones that people rely on today. His passion for technology and space converged in one of the achievements he was most proud of-his contribution to the Mars 2020 mission, where he worked on the mechanisms used in the Ingenuity helicopter deployed alongside the Perseverance rover. This historic project allowed a human-made aircraft to fly on another planet for the first time and perfectly combined Ken's love of the stars with his engineering expertise.
Although he never completed his degree, education-and the pursuit of learning-was one of his deepest values. Ken worked tirelessly to ensure his children had every opportunity to pursue higher education, and he continued that encouragement and support with his grandchildren.
Ken was also a talented amateur astronomer who collected telescopes and stories in equal measure. He loved taking family and friends on star-gazing trips into the desert, sharing the wonders of the night sky. A gifted woodworker, he crafted tables, shelves,
toy boxes, belt buckles, and jewelry boxes with his own hands-each piece made with care, patience, and love.
Ken is survived by his three children: Jessica (Josh) Sitton, Kyle (Vanja Vermezovic) Mattus, and Cynthia (Dustin) Roberts ; six grandchildren: James Allen, Caranean Janice, Ethan Aleksander, Isaac Martin, Jackson David, and Nora Jane, his sister Teresa (Charlie) Smotherman, father in law Larry Olson, and many nieces and nephews and beloved family and friends who shared in his love of family and life. Ken is
preceded in death by his loving soulmate Lori Jean Mattus, parents Joseph and Kathryne Mattus and sister Karen Mattus.
Ken loved fiercely. He gave freely of his time, his abilities, and whatever means he had, always seeking to ease burdens and brighten the lives of others. He was a kind, hardworking, and generous man who put his family-especially his grandchildren-before himself.
The only comfort in this heartbreaking loss is knowing that Ken is reunited with his beloved Lori, who passed away two years ago. They are together again. We imagine them dancing among the stars, listening to Elton John, exploring the Horsehead Nebula,
building beautiful things, watching Padres baseball, and tinkering on old cars for the joy of helping others.
Dad, thank you-for your service, your gifts, your kindness, your selflessness, and your love. You will be missed beyond measure. Enjoy the great views from the sky with Mom, and know that your greatest achievements-your children and grandchildren-will look to the heavens each night for your strength, guidance, and presence.
We love you, Dad.
Take care of Mom.
Until we meet again.