Richard Lee Matricaria

November 5, 1946 – May 24, 2025

Richard Lee Matricaria, beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, which he faced with dignity and strength since January 2023. He was 78.

Born on November 5, 1946, Rich grew up in Seymour, Connecticut. He married the love of his life, Jean Preston, at Holy Cross Church in Ansonia, Connecticut in 1968. Together, they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, raising two sons, Richard and Jed. Rich was a proud grandfather—“Pops”—to Gabriela and Luca, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Rich had a lifelong love of sports. A standout athlete, he was an All-Star football running back at Seymour High School and earned All-County honors in baseball in the competitive Housatonic League. He was nominated to the Seymour High School Hall of Fame and played for the American Legion Derby Post 24. His athletic talent even earned him a tryout with the Boston Red Sox. A fierce competitor, Rich also found passion in handball—playing at the Ansonia YMCA, traveling across New England, and famously humbling NFL players on the court.

His love of sports carried into a successful coaching career across South Florida. Known by all as “Coach Rich,” he led youth baseball teams at Pembroke Lakes Optimist for eight years, including several All-Star squads, guided St. David Catholic School to its only undefeated baseball season, and also coached at St. Bernadette Catholic School. Rich later transitioned to golf, becoming Head Coach at Cooper City High School, where he was named Coach of the Year.

Rich believed in setting the tone, both in sports and in life. One of his most frequent messages to his players was simple: “Look good, play good”—a reminder to take pride in your appearance and to approach everything you do with intention and confidence. In business and beyond, he often reminded others, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” a saying he lived by and passed down to those around him.

A born salesman and entrepreneur, Rich began his professional career as the top national account representative for Southern Wine & Spirits before launching successful ventures of his own, including Quality Supply and Stirling Water Co.—each a reflection of his tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He was a lifelong Yankees fan, a proud patriot, and an enthusiastic traveler who deeply loved the United States. He lived in New York City and San Francisco before settling in South Florida in 1972, where he spent the last 53 years of his life. More than his accomplishments, Rich will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, his passion for mentoring youth, and the lifelong friendships he cherished. His presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Jean, sons Richard (Liza) and Jed (Lauren), grandchildren Gabriela and Luca, and a lifetime of friends who will carry his memory forward.

Funeral services will be held at St. David Catholic Church; 3900 S. University Drive, Davie, Florida 33328, on Monday, June 2nd at 10:00 AM. Additional details will be shared with friends and family in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rich’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; the family has created a fundraising page in Rich’s memory, please visit http://events.stjude.org/Matricaria