Matthew "Mattfish" Bailey

Matthew Thomas Bailey, lovingly known as “Mattfish,” was born June 3, 1957, in Naples, Florida, and passed away at 5:10 AM on November 20, 2025, at NCH Downtown in Naples. As hard as he fought, he was unable to overcome the injuries he sustained after being in the woods for eight days.

Matthew was more than a lifelong Naples resident—he was woven into its history. He and his twin brother, Michael, were the first twins born at Naples Community Hospital. In 1975, he became the first person to walk across the stage at Lely High School to receive a diploma. The Marco Historical Society still holds a photo of Matthew, Michael, and a friend fishing from the Marco Island bridge—one of many places that shaped his love for the water.

His nickname, “Mattfish,” came from friends after a diving trip where he jumped in before the anchor dropped and stayed in the water long after everyone else was ready to leave. Like a catfish, he just wouldn’t come up—and the name stuck. Water and fishing were lifelong passions.

In the early 1980s, Matthew began working for Pennzoil as first mate on the Betty Lynn II, a job he cherished. His career ended after a severe car accident that resulted in a traumatic head injury, but the accident never dimmed his spirit or his drive for adventure. Mattfish never met a stranger. He became a familiar, beloved presence throughout the community—known for his love of the outdoors, his stories, his kindness, and his joy in simple pleasures, whether he was riding his bike, listening to live music, or savoring a dark beer.

Matthew lived with a determination all his own. If he wanted a tree planted, he planted it. He often rooted pieces of gumbo limbo trees and planted palm trees in the yards of family and friends—many of which are still thriving today. If a yard needed watering, weeding, or even fresh sod, he simply took it on. If he wanted to go somewhere, he found a way. His wandering heart made for unforgettable stories: the time he jumped off a shrimp boat in Venice, swam ashore, and joined relatives for a visit, or the times he would hop out of a car on the highway saying, “This is good. I’m going to go visit some friends here.”

Before he went missing, Mattfish enjoyed one last epic road trip with his best friend to Missouri. He soaked in live music, admired the brilliant fall colors, and reveled in every moment.

Upon returning home, he wandered off in the early morning hours of November 7, 2025, determined to find a trail he had sought once before. Though no one knew where he was, his family refused to stop searching. Matthew’s final legacy became one of unity—bringing his family closer together and rallying an entire community in the effort to find him and bring him home. With his passing, he leaves behind a legacy of love, determination, adventure, community, and connection.

Matthew is survived by his loving mother, Margaret “Peg” Bailey; his brothers Michael (Diana) Bailey and Bart (Pepper) Bailey; nephews Conor (Caroline) Dunn and Colton Bailey; nieces Egan Dunn and Fiona Dunn; grandnephews Reis and Kaison; grandnieces Aisley, Gaia, and Aria; his uncle Paul Schryver; and a large, lively family of cousins who share his adventurous spirit. As the saying goes, “Throw a rock in Naples and you just might hit one.”

He is reunited in Heaven with his father, Elmer “Bogue” Bailey; his sister, Susan “Susie” Bailey-Dunn; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life honoring Matthew “Mattfish” Bailey will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens in Naples, Florida.

The family invites friends and loved ones to plant a tree in his memory or to share a photo of a tree he planted for them on the Search for Matthew Bailey – Naples, FL Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to honor Matthew’s memory and legacy, to the Matthew Bailey Foundation at the Collier Community Foundation, 1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 200, Naples, FL 34108, or online by going to https://cfcollier.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=9119