Longtime Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews Leaves Lasting Legacy

Matthews, a former firefighter, served five terms as mayor and was known for his community connections.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Joe Matthews, a longtime firefighter in Marietta, West Virginia, served five terms as the city's mayor over two stints. As mayor, Matthews was known for his ability to connect with residents, work the room at community events, and maintain his firefighting skills even while in office. Matthews passed away recently, leaving a lasting impression on the city he served for decades.

Why it matters

Matthews' long tenure as mayor of Marietta highlights the impact that dedicated public servants can have on a community. His ability to balance his roles as both a firefighter and a politician, while also maintaining strong personal connections with residents, made him a beloved figure in the city.

The details

Matthews first ran for mayor in the early 1990s after a career as a firefighter in Marietta. He was elected and served five terms, more than any other mayor in the city's 238-year history. During his time in office, Matthews was known for his hands-on approach, whether it was responding to fires or working the crowd at community events. Even during his gap years between mayoral terms, Matthews remained active in the community, often greeting residents at the local Subway restaurant.

  • Matthews first ran for mayor in the early 1990s.
  • He served five terms as mayor of Marietta.
  • Matthews passed away recently.

The players

Joe Matthews

A former firefighter in Marietta, West Virginia who served five terms as the city's mayor, more than any other in the city's history.

Art Smith

A local journalist who frequently interacted with Matthews during his time as mayor and firefighter.

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What they’re saying

“Joe was a master of lifting people up.”

— Art Smith, Local journalist (newsandsentinel.com)

“Joe knew everyone, and everyone knew Joe.”

— Art Smith, Local journalist (newsandsentinel.com)

The takeaway

Matthews' long career in public service, both as a firefighter and as a mayor, demonstrates the lasting impact that dedicated community leaders can have. His ability to connect with residents and maintain his hands-on approach even while in office made him a beloved figure in Marietta.