Matthew D. Urich

Matthew Douglas Urich, beloved adventurer, animal lover, lifelong learner, and fisherman at heart, died on Saturday, April 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others.
Born on October 24, 1978 in Cleveland, Matt lived a life rich in exploration. An avid consumer of knowledge, Matt devoured books, documentaries, and conversations with the same passion that he approached every new journey. Whether trekking through distant mountain landscapes or poring over a new subject late into the night, he never lost his deep and abiding sense of wonder.
Though Matt's curiosity traveled far and wide, his heart remained tethered to his roots. A loyal Cleveland Guardians and Browns fan and a proud supporter of Ohio State football, he wore his team colors with pride and cheered with unmatched enthusiasm through every season, win or lose.
The ocean was Matt's sanctuary. He found his greatest peace casting a line into the waters of the Everglades, where the tides, the sky, and the quiet rhythm of nature spoke to him like nowhere else. Fishing was not just a pastime for Matt - it was a connection to something deeper, a relationship with the wild and the unknown that fed his adventurous soul.
Above all, Matt was defined by his kind heart. He was quick to forgive, steadfast in his loyalty, and always ready to see the best in everyone he met. His warmth and optimism left an indelible mark on all who had the honor of knowing him.
Matt is survived by his cherished wife, Shayle; his beloved children, Jack, Ruby, and Jason; his mother and stepfather, Carolyn and Harry Caplan; his brother, Sam and step-siblings, Tom and Jezebel; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, who will carry forward his spirit of adventure, kindness, and boundless curiosity. He was preceded in death by his father, Doug.
An open house celebration of Matt's life will be held on May 16, 2025 at the Beuhner Center at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Whitehouse, OH starting at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ocean Conservancy in honor of Matt's lifelong love of the natural world and commitment to preserving our beloved planet.
He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever echo in the waves he loved, the stories he shared, and the lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio 408 W. Wooster St.