Richard Matre

Richard “Dick” Matre, 94, passed away June 9, 2025 at Elison of Pinecrest Senior Living, Largo, FL.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, the love of his life; his parents Albert and Hattie Matre, and his brother, Howard. He is survived by children Cynthia Zink (David) and Richard Matre; grandchildren Chris Matre, Michelle Iannicca (Chris), Michael Bruce (Sarah); Great-grandchildren Nolan Matre, Madison Matre, Reece Matre, Samuel Iannicca.

Dick was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Forty years ago, to get away from winter weather, he moved to beautiful Treasure Island, Florida and made this his forever home.. He left high school before his senior year and enlisted in the Air Force, where he received his GED. He credited the Air Force with providing the discipline and structure that he needed in his life. This sparked his interest in flying and airplanes. He later received his pilot license

and flew for pleasure. Dick was a fire fighter for 25 years for the City of Cincinnati. But he was quite the entrepreneur also. He started this journey by operating a Texaco gas station after discharge from the Air Force. He also did house painting, rehabbed and rented apartments, owned and operated two self-serve car washes, bought and sold cars and was a captain of his own sports fishing business.

More than anything, he found peace and pleasure on the water. He made his home on the beautiful; intercostal waterway of Treasure Island. He loved being the captain of his own boat and wanted his customers to enjoy their fishing excursion. He enjoy cruising on the intercostal whether it was for lunch at the Pub or American Legion or just taking a relaxing ride. Only last year did he sell his last boat.

Life was good, now rest.

A memorial service will be June 25 @ 11:00 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St Petersburg , FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations 

may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ StJude.org

Or

Shriners Children’s Hospital @ShrinerChildrens.org