Matthias "Matt" Edward Fox, age 72, of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 13, 2024, after a short illness. He was born to Edward J. and Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Fox on July 7, 1941.

Matt began his high school education at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary studying to become a priest.  He attended for two years and then "discovered girls" and decided to change course. He was a graduate of Highland High School class of 1969.  He attended Akron University earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1975. He returned to AU and earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1984.

Matt became a member of Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity in March 1970; Tau Beta Pi on May 29, 1974; Sima Tau on February 27, 1974.  He joined The Society of Civil Engineers on February 26, 1976, and the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers in Training on June 7, 1991.  He received a Certificate of Registration for Professional Engineers on February 26, 1992.

While in college, Matt worked for a tree trimming company during the summer.  One fateful day at work, a tree limb was dropped from a tree landing on Matt. He sustained a low cervical spine injury and became a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic.  What may have kept a lesser man down, Matt rose to the challenge and became an inspiration. After a year in rehab, he returned to college. He was incredibly intelligent, the keeper of the family tree, charismatic yet humble, always finding the silver lining, and seeing the bigger picture.  When life handed him lemons, he made lemonade over and over.  He found his dream job, his dream wife in Judy and designed fully accessible dream houses.

In retirement, Matt was a beekeeper and an avid Ancestry.com member who traced the family tree back to 1697 and the Palatine German Movement.  He was also the family go-to computer guy.

Matt is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Judy K. Fox; his stepson, Justin Vertok (Sondra); his granddaughters, Isabella and Athena; his siblings, Daniel Fox, Larry Fox (Diane), Mary Cole (Mike), Phillip Fox (Samantha), Joseph Fox (Sharon), Celestia Fox, and Carol Mullen (Brian); numerous nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; his sister, Monica Cavey; and infant twin brothers, Russell and Edward.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on July 7, 2024, at his brother Joe Fox's residence, 6205 State Road, Sharon Township (Wadsworth for GPS), OH 44281. He will be laid to rest at Granger Fairview Cemetery in Medina, Ohio with a graveside service on July 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.