Matthew C. Brichta, 81, of Rossford, Ohio passed away Saturday September 7, 2019. He was born September 22, 1937 in Glendale, Ohio to the late Matthew A. and Mary (Hosford) Brichta. He married Shirley Bateson on February 17, 1967 and she survives.
Matt dedicated his life to law enforcement starting early at the age of 18, in southern Ohio in a small town called West Union, located in Adams County. Moving north in the early 60’s, Matt worked on the BGSU campus police force, and from there his career included 20 years at the City of Bowling Green’s police force retiring as captain, Chief of Police in Rossford, and eventually finishing out his career as Sheriff of Wood County in the early 90’s. After retiring he taught at the Police Academy at Owens Community College, as well as taking on the duties of armorer for the academy, showing off his skills as a true master gunsmith, his first love. Matt also enjoyed hunting and fishing and any gun show he could get to.
Along with his wife Shirley, Matt is survived by his children Matthew A. Brichta of Bowling Green, Ohio, Vicki Gallagher of Rossford, Ohio, Jim Titus of Arkansas, Debbie (Kevin) Williams of Bowling Green, Ohio, Joyce Sterling of Dowling, Ohio and Leslie Titus of Nevada.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Chris, Rachel, Tonya, Brandi and Mark and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 1 grandchild, Marie.
Matt’s funeral service will be held on Monday September 16, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. Rev. Anthony Recker will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held on Tuesday September 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Glendale, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The 577 Foundation.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Brichta family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com
