Clarence J. “Matt” Matias passed away at home with his loving family on May 2nd, 2021. Matt was born to the late Clarence George Matias and Edna J. Noffsinger on July 19th, 1952 in Geneva, Illinois. He graduated high school in Anaheim, CA and joined the US Air Force in 1970. In 1991, while balancing a military career, family, and school, Matt earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Then in 1992, he earned an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Allan Hancock College. After serving 24 years, he retired from the Air Force in 1994 at the rank of Master Sergeant. Yet, even in retirement, Matt continued to support the Air Force and NASA as a contractor support Network Administrator. Enjoying a job that let him indulge daily in his passion for computers. His other passions included astronomy, golf and photography. A proud lifetime member of the NRA, Matt also enjoyed his firearms. As a “Mr. Fix it”, one could always rely on Matt to solve any problem put in front of him. According to his former supervisor/coworker and long-time friend, Doug Martin, “I can still see his face as I would ask the dumbest computer question and, in all the years we worked together, he never once rolled his eyes at any of my questions. That is quite a testimony to his patience! …regardless of the complexity of the problem and the hurdles that ‘others’ put in front of him, he always stayed with the problem until the solution was found, implemented, and verified complete. But most importantly, he always had a smile and a good word.” This hard-work, dedication, and tenacity was reflected over and over again with his countless awards, medals, certifications, and commendations throughout his military, and post-military career. However, out of all his accomplishments, Matt always believed his daughters were his greatest and best. He was the proudest and most loving father. Matt was a fighter. He fought his battle with cancer for over 10 years and fought it to the very end. He was loved and cherished by his family and will forever be held in their hearts.
Matt is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Sherrel A. Matias; His daughter, Michelle A. Matias and son-in-law Joseph McKenzie; His daughter, Diane J. Frederick and son-in-law, Richard Frederick.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence George Matias; His mother, Edna J. Noffsinger; His half-brother, Russ Miller; His half-sister, Vicky Miller.
There will be a memorial service in his honor with military honors on Wednesday, May the 19th at 10:30 am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. Please leave your condolences for the family at www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com
Please also consider a donation to the American Cancer Society (chosen by the family) in lieu of flowers.
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