Longtime Ridgway Resident David E. Matson Jr. Passes Away at 68

Matson dedicated over 40 years to the Ridgway Fire Department and 25 years to the local ambulance service.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:35pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a small-town street scene, with blurred figures and buildings visible through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the impact of losing a beloved community member.The loss of a longtime community pillar like David Matson leaves an indelible mark on the small town of Ridgway.Ridgway Today

David E. Matson Jr., a 68-year-old lifelong resident of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 28, 2026, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Matson was known for his decades of service to the Ridgway community, including 43 years working at SGL Carbon, 25 years with the Ridgway Ambulance, and over 40 years as an active member of the Ridgway Fire Department.

Why it matters

Matson's passing marks the end of an era for Ridgway, as he was deeply embedded in the community through his professional work, volunteer efforts, and personal passions. His commitment to public service and local institutions will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the broader Ridgway community.

The details

Matson graduated from Ridgway High School in 1975 and dedicated the next 43 years of his life to working at SGL Carbon. In addition to his professional contributions, he was deeply involved in the Ridgway community, serving for 25 years with the local ambulance service and over 40 years as an active member of the Ridgway Fire Department. In his free time, Matson enjoyed cooking, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and taking trips to the Outer Banks.

  • Matson passed away on March 28, 2026.
  • Matson was born on August 14, 1957.
  • Matson married Susan Johnson on August 26, 1978.

The players

David E. Matson Jr.

A 68-year-old lifelong resident of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, who dedicated over 40 years to the Ridgway Fire Department and 25 years to the local ambulance service.

Susan Johnson

Matson's wife of nearly 48 years.

David

Matson's grandson.

Marla Johnson

Matson's mother-in-law.

Bert

Matson's beloved dog.

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What’s next

A Celebration of life for David E. Matson Jr. will be announced on a later date.

The takeaway

Matson's decades of service to the Ridgway community, through his work, volunteer efforts, and personal passions, exemplify the values of civic engagement and dedication that have helped sustain small towns like Ridgway over generations.