Larry Dean Matiz, 80, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his family on Christmas day, after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s. Larry was born July 13, 1945, in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he lived with his wife, Marilyn, raised his family, and made a life for himself that he was proud of.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Mildred Matiz, brother Randy Matiz, and loving in-laws Cecil and Alene Callihan.
Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn Matiz, two daughters Jennifer (Michael) Estep of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and Andrea (Stephen) Otis of Monkton, Maryland, five grandchildren, Bailee Estep, Rilee Estep, Ava Estep, Eli Otis and Emily Otis, and special family friends Lanie and Layla Dawes. He is also survived by his brother Phil Matiz of Portsmouth, and his sister Debby Schulze of Columbus. Larry is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends he considered like family.
Larry, a 1964 graduate of Portsmouth High School, volunteered to join the Navy during the Vietnam War, serving four years as a submariner, much of his time spent on several patrols on the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 644. Larry’s time in the Navy and the relationships he built during that time helped him learn about who he was and set him on a path to building an incredibly fulfilled life.
After an honorable discharge at the end of his time in the Navy, Larry returned to Portsmouth and joined the electrician apprenticeship program, where he went on to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 575 for 37 years.
Caving was Larry’s passion. Every chance he had he would load up his gear and spend the day exploring caves with friends and family. He was a member and officer of the ESSO Grotto, a local caving group focused on the preservation of regional caves. Larry found his real purpose in life when he started volunteering to restore Mammoth Cave, where he dedicated his time for 30 years.
Larry was a long-time member of Central Church of Christ in Portsmouth.
Friends may call at the Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, 11623 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, Ohio, Sunday, December 28 from 5-7pm and Monday from 10-11am, with a celebration of life and interment following at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Larry’s memory be made to either of the following charities:
Sierra’s Haven, where Larry rescued his beloved dog Daisy: www.sierrashaven.org/donate, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth Ohio, 45662
Hospice of SOMC, who helped make Larry’s passing peaceful at home with his family: www.somc.org/services/hospice/
