Richard L. Matz

Longtime Austin Real Estate Broker Richard L. "Dick" Matz passed away peacefully March 2, 2009, at his home following a brief illness. Born June 8, 1931 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Dick graduated from Hopewell High School, where he was Valedictorian, Class President and voted Most Likely to Succeed. He attended the University of Cincinnati where he played football until he joined the Air Force. After his four years of service, he left with the rank of Captain in 1955. He stopped in Austin to see his Air Force buddies on his way to California and decided to make Austin his permanent home. He attended The University of Texas and launched his real estate career, which began as a struggle and blossomed into a successful and recognized name in the Austin community and beyond, primarily with commercial properties and ranches. Shortly thereafter, he met Linda Ann Gullion; they were married in 1964 and began their family. Father of three, Dick was a loving figure not only to his own children but also to the countless youth that he coached in the community for many years. As a volunteer coach, he instilled confidence and responsibility in many young kids and was active in the early years and development of West Austin Youth Association among other recreational areas and programs for young people. He always found time for these kids, and the friendships formed with these youth have continued into second generations and beyond. A lifelong and devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, Dick proudly wore his "Black and Gold" and was a walking encyclopedia of all of their statistics and accomplishments. Always a supporter of the UT athletic programs, he was equally comfortable in his burnt orange and white, cheering for the Horns. A man's man, he was happiest doing the things he loved, hunting, watching sports, relaxing and enjoying the ranch…and, most importantly, spending time with his family. Some of his fondest memories were made at the family ranch and at the 3S&M ranch in Carrizo Springs that he shared with Jim Hudson, Charlie Maund and Ed Padgett. Dick will be missed by the "Breakfast Bunch"--- a group of good friends that meet every Saturday morning for breakfast. He had been a part of the group for more than thirty years. Dick was predeceased by his wife Linda Ann Matz, by his mother, Josephine Matz Hoffmann and by numerous aunts and uncles all from Aliquippa. He was especially loved by Annie Matz Jordan Montini who will joyfully welcome Dick into Heaven. He is survived by his children, Richard Lee Matz, Jr., and wife, Laura McPartland Matz; Michael Wayne Matz and wife, Christine Linden Matz; and Jennifer Matz Zamiska and husband Jeffrey David Zamiska; and the grandchildren he dearly loved: Jacob Linden Matz, Cooper Wayne Matz, Gavin David Zamiska and Makayla Lynn Zamiska. He is also survived by his loving cousins: Eugene, Elaine, Erica, Eileen, Donna, Mickey, Rick, Jackie, Barbara, Maureen, Debbie and David and their children. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas, followed by a celebration of Dick's life at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Road, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held the following day at the Matz Ranch. Pallbearers will be Cookie Baumel, Rick Coleman, Jim Hudson, Eugene Jordan, Salem Joseph, Gib Lewis, Ed Padgett and Dr. BJ Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Carr, Doc Frazier, Bill Macfarlane, Gene McGregor, Tom McKetta, Carol Overton, Ralph Rich and Brad Scott. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin, Texas 78704 or a children's charity of your choice.