Dr. Wilbert John Matz Jr.

March 9, 1945 - December 9, 2020

Matz - Dr. Wilbert John Matz, Jr., D.O., 75 went to be with his Lord and Savior, December 9, 2020. Dr. Matz was born in Reading, PA, March 9, 1945 to the late Wilbert Sr., and Dorothy (Matthias) Matz. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Elaine (Beal) Matz; son, Robert Matz; sisters-in-law, Linda Carole (Beal) Friend and Linda Lee (Beal) Hollister; and extended family and longtime friends. Dr. Matz was a long-time member of Faithbridge Church where he and his wife taught first grade Sunday School for 27 years. He was known for his love of God, family, and country. He was a Vietnam Veteran, and an avid Patriot. Dr. Matz had an awesome laugh, a never-ending sense of humor, and many other wonderful qualities. He earned Eagle Scout status at the age of 14, Troop #196, Lincoln Park, Reading, PA. Dr. Matz graduated from Wilson High School, Reading, PA (his address to the 34th Annual Commencement of Wilson High School was inserted in the Congressional Record, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., 1963), and graduated from the University of Louisville, KY. He played the position of Center both in high school and college football. He was selected by the Navy for a full scholarship and served as a midshipman, NROTC at UofL. After graduation, he went on active duty, and was commissioned an Ensign, and volunteered for UDT/S (Underwater Demolition Team/Seal), and served three tours in Vietnam, attached to UDT-22/Seal Team 2, Homeported at Little Creek, VA. He attained the rank of Lt. Commander while serving in the Line. He maintained his Frogman qualifications in weapons, scuba, demolitions, and parachuting. After serving his obligated time, he planned to resign and attend medical school, however, the Navy created a full medical school scholarship with pay so he applied and was accepted. He was ordered to Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He graduated from Medical School in 1975, and was ordered to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, FL for three years of residency training in Family Practice. After residency, he was assigned to Naval Clinic Mayport, Jacksonville, FL, where he and his staff were responsible for the care of active-duty personnel, their families, and eligible retired personnel. In 1980 he was ordered to Washington, D.C., and spent three years as the Medical Corps Assignment Officer, assigning physicians to their duty stations. After his service in D.C., he returned to Naval Clinic Mayport, Jacksonville where he attained the rank of Commander in the Medical Corps. During his service, he received the UDT FrogmanTrident Pin, Surface Warfare Officer Pin, Vietnam Service Pin, and other awards. Dr. Matz retired from the Navy in 1987, then was in the private practice sector, starting up a few clinics. He was followed and loved by his patients, and patient care was of utmost importance to him, and gave him great satisfaction. Dr. Matz retired in June, 2018, after 20 years in private practice. Visitation and Celebration of his life will be held at Faithbridge Church, 13720 McCormick Road, Thursday, December 17th. Visitation from 11:00-12:00, service at 12:00, graveside and interment following at Hardage-Gidden Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road. North, 32225. Live streaming at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlssJ39BYOzL7xE7x0snJg. Dr. Matz’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Community Hospice, Southside Team, Nurse Kristine and CNA Letisha. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 1320 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32221, 904-378-7777. CDC guidelines will be followed, masks required.